Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/7/2011

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

AfroBasket 2011 Draw held n Antananarivo - by Eurobasket News
AfroBasket 2011 Draw was held in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The teams were drawn into four groups with four teams in each. The tournament is slated to start on August 17.

Here are the preliminary groups:

Group A: Madagascar, Nigeria, Mali, Mozambique
Group B: Angola, Chad, Morocco, Senegal
Group C: Cote dIvoire, South Africa, Egypt, Cameroon
Group D: Tunisia, Togo, Central African Republic, Rwanda

Preliminary Round Schedule:

GROUP A:

August 17, 2011
MADAGASCAR - MOZAMBIQUE
NIGERIA - MALI

August 19, 2011
MADAGASCAR - MALI
MOZAMBIQUE - NIGERIA

August 21, 2011
NIGERIA - MADAGASCAR
MALI - MOZAMBIQUE

GROUP B :

August 18, 2011
ANGOLA - CHAD
MOROCCO - SENEGAL

August 20, 2011
ANGOLA - SENEGAL
CHAD - MOROCCO

August, 22, 2011
MOROCCO - ANGOLA
SENEGAL CHAD

GROUP C:

August 17, 2011
COTE D'IVOIRE - SOUTH AFRICA
CAMEROON - EGYPT

August 19, 2011
COTE D'IVOIRE - EGYPT
SOUTH AFRICA - CAMEROON

August 21, 2011
CAMEROON - COTE D'IVOIRE
EGYPT - SOUTH AFRICA

GROUP D:

August 18, 2011
TUNISIA - TOGO
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC RWANDA

August 20, 2011
TUNISIA - RWANDA
TOGO CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

August 22, 2011
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - TUNISIA
RWANDA - TOGO

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ANGOLA

1 De Agosto sign deal with Reggie Moore - by Eurobasket News
1 De Agosto entered the market looking for the ways to improve their roster. The team has already found the first player to bolster their squad. 1 De Agosto agreed on terms of contract with Reggie Moore (203-F-81, college: ORU). The deal is meant for two seasons. Last season Reggie Moore played for one of the teams archrivals Libolo. Previously Reggie Moore had stints in Spain, Israel, Germany, Portugal, Norway, Denmark and USBL. Eurobasket.com named Reggie Moore All-Norwegian BLNO Newcomer of the Year back in 2004. In 2006 the forward was trumped All-Portuguese League Player of the Year. Reggie Moore led Libolo to Angolan Cup title in 2011.
In the meantime 1 De Agosto have agreed on terms of contract termination with Karlton Mims (189-G-80, college: Washburn). The guard joined the team at the start of the season. He averaged 6.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game in African Champions Cup.

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ARGENTINA

LigaA: Penarol defends the title - by Eurobasket News
Finals, Game 5: Penarol - Atenas 89-83 (4-1)

Penarol outplayed Atenas 89-83 last night defending the LigaA title with almost perfect 4-1 in the Finals. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 33-26. But Atenas won second period 22-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Penarol won last quarter 22-17. 31 personal fouls committed by Atenas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. International forward Leonardo Gutierrez (200-78) stepped up and scored 25 points and 4 steals for the winners and guard Facundo Campazzo (180-91) chipped in 16 points. American forward Gregory Lewis (198-78, college: Winthrop) responded with 31 points (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) and the other American import power forward James Williams (204-79, college: Brown Mackie) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Penarol finished regular season as No.2 with 20-10 record. They eliminated Regatas with 3-2 in the Quarterfinals and later swept Libertad with perfect 2-0 in the Semis. Except of the last season, Penarol was also the LigaA champion in 1994.

Top scorers:
Penarol: L.Gutierrez 25+4reb+1ast, F.Campazzo 16+3reb+1ast, P.Sebastian Rodriguez 12+2reb+1ast, K.Lamonte 11+3reb+4ast, S.Safar 6+1reb, M.Leiva 6+8reb+1ast
Atenas: G.Lewis 31+3reb, M.Gerlero 13+6reb+1ast, M.Lescano 12+3reb+3ast, J.Williams 10+9reb+2ast, B.Labaque 8+3reb+3ast, M.Garcia 3+2reb

Penarol is the champion again - by Facundo Iatzky
Penarol did it once again, against the same rival of the last season, Atenas and won the Liga A title for the third time in its history. It shows that Penarol is the best team of Argentina of the last years. It is a recap of the season and a brief description of each one of the players.
Season: Despite they they were the favorites to repeat the championship, things were not so easy. Obras Sanitarias started very solid and could keep the first position of the regular season till the end. Penarol was always in the first positions but had some moments o doubt, especially when they were eliminated of the Liga de las Americas. Anyway, they have players with a lot experience and attitude, so after a very complicated serie aginst Regatas in quarterfinals, they won the series against Libertad and Atenas very easily.
Coach Sergio Hernandez: He showed again that he is probably the best coach of the country right now. He had a hard season but showed his great manage of a team.
Leonardo Gutierrez: He is already one of the three best players of the history of Liga A, maybe the best. A winning machine, who appeared again in the decisive moments.
Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez: The great captain. He is the symbol of penarol. One of the top point guards in the league.
Kyle Lamonte: Had not the same numbers than the last season, but he was again a determinant foreigner. He played always with great energy.
Facundo Campazzo: one of the great surprisses of the season. A very young players who never stops to progress. Great energy from the bench.
Marcos Mata: His numbers were nothing outstanding, but he is very neccesary in a team like this due to his deffense and his intelligence to play.
Martin Leiva: other of the important keys of the championship. A beast in the rebounds, had one of the best seasons of his carreer.
Nicolas Lauria: A player borned in the club, that after play two season in Liga B to gain experience, returned to penarol in the best shape. One of the most talented young players of the league.
Selem Safar: A former Quilmes, who had to prove that he could play in a good team of Liga A. He did very well.
Alejandro Reinick: As the last season, he had not many minutes, but he always fulfills.
Alejandro Diez: He always ring a solution from the bench. Very important in some games.

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Joseph BUNN
  Argentino
  (198-F/C-75)
  Avg: 20

1. Bunn, Argentino	20.0
2. Jackson, La Union	19.4
3. Johnson, Monte H.	16.8
4. Meyinsse, Club 9	16.6
5. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	16.5
6. Gutierrez, Obras	16.4
7. Gutierrez, Penarol	15.6
8. Taylor, Lanus	15.0
9. Galindo, Libertad	14.9
10. Salles, Monte H.	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Ruben GARCES
  La Union
  (206-C/F-73)
  Avg: 11

1. Garces, La Union	11.0
2. Gutierrez, Obras	10.0
3. Kammerichs, Regat.	9.8
4. Battle, Libertad S.	9.1
5. Rollins, Gimnasia.	8.7
6. Williams, Atenas	8.2
7. Johnson, Monte H.	8.0
8. Kante, Olimpico LB	7.9
9. Alston, Boca Jrs	7.3
10. Leiva, Penarol	7.3

Assists Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudian.
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	6.9
2. Martinez, Regat.	5.7
3. Labaque, Atenas	5.0
4. Salles, Monte H.	4.8
5. Ginobili, Libertad	4.1
6. Cequeira, Obras	4.0
7. Franco, Sionista	3.7
8. Treise, Quimsa	3.2
9. Victoriano, Lanus	3.0
10. Sartorelli, Argen.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudian.
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	3.3
2. Martinez, Regat.	2.6
3. Sciutto, Monte H.	2.6
4. Labaque, Atenas	2.5
5. Salles, Monte H.	2.5
6. Cequeira, Obras	2.4
7. Okosa, Gimnasia CR	2.3
8. Williams, Atenas	2.2
9. Lamonte, Penarol	2.2
10. Lewis, Atenas	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Battle, Libertad S.	1.9
2. Roe, Regatas C.	1.3
3. Johnson, Monte H.	1.3
4. Meyinsse, Club 9	1.3
5. Gutierrez, Obras	1.1
6. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.1
7. Alston, Boca Jrs	1.0
8. Williams, Atenas	0.9
9. Aguerre, Estudian.	0.8
10. Tintorelli, Quimsa	0.8

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

Big V
1. Eltham W.		9-3
2. Waverley F.		9-3
3. Ringwood H.		8-5
4. Bulleen B.		8-5
5. Sherbrooke S.		7-7
6. Hume City		6-7
7. Melbourne		3-11
8. Diamond V.E.		2-11
Central ABL
1. Norwood F.		8-1
2. W.Adelaide B.		7-2
3. Forestville E.		6-3
4. Woodville W.		5-4
5. N.Adelaide R.		5-4
6. S.Adelaide P.		4-5
7. Sturt S.		4-5
8. Eastern M.		3-6
9. South.Tigers		2-7
10. C.District L.		1-8
QBL
1. Gold Coast R.		6-0
2. Northside W.		6-1
3. Townsville H.		5-1
4. Brisbane C.		5-2
5. Cairns M.		4-3
6. Rockhampton		3-3
7. Ipswich F.		3-4
8. Mackay M.		2-3
9. Bundaberg B.		2-3
10. Gladstone P.		2-3
11. Caboolture S.		2-4
12. Toowoomba		1-4
13. SW Metro P.		1-5
14. Maroochydore		0-6
SEABL-East
1. Bendigo B.		9-2
2. Knox R.		9-4
3. Canberra G.		6-5
4. Ballarat M.		6-5
5. Dandenong		6-6
6. Kilsyth C.		6-7
7. Brisbane S.		4-8
SEABL-South
1. Nunawading S.		9-4
2. Sandringham S.		8-4
3. Geelong S.		7-5
4. NW Tasmania		5-7
5. Mt Gambier		5-7
6. Hobart C.		5-8
7. Frankston B.		4-7
8. Albury W.B.		1-11
WARATAH
1. Sydney C.		11-2
2. Newcastle H.		10-3
3. Hills H.		9-4
4. Parramatta W.		8-3
5. Sutherland S.		7-5
6. Norths Bears		7-6
7. Illawarra H.		6-5
8. Manly Warr.		6-7
9. Maitland M.		6-8
10. Bankstown B.		5-8
11. Hornsby S.		5-9
12. Cent.Coast C.		2-11
13. Canberra N.		1-12

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

1. Lakeside L.		14-2
2. Wanneroo W.		12-5
3. Cockburn C.		12-5
4. Perry Lakes H.		11-6
5. Stirling S.		9-7
6. Willetton T.		9-7
7. Goldfield G.		9-8
8. Perth R.		8-8
9. East Perth E.		7-9
10. Kalamunda E.S.		7-9
11. Rockingham F.		6-11
12. Geraldton B.		6-11
13. Mandurah M.		5-10
14. AIS		0-0
15. SW Slammers		0-17

Big V: Werribee Devils delight - by Eurobasket News
WERRIBEE Devils hit back with a 59-48 win over rivals Sunbury Jets in the Victorian Basketball League Big V men's division 1 in Sunbury on Saturday night.

Andrew Johnstone (191-G/F-79) was huge in defence, with seven rebounds and two blocks to go with 12 points.

Jordan Hughes (193-G) finished with 14 points and six rebounds, showing why he was nominated as a wildcard for the Big V all-star game.

The Devils face Southern Peninsula in Rosebud on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Werribee lost 78-50 to title aspirant Western Port in the women's division 2 at Somerville on Saturday night.

Their next test will be even tougher on the road against second-placed Blackburn on Saturday night.
Courtesy of: www.wyndhamweekly.com.au

Knox dismantle Brisbane in Mid-season Spactacular - by Eurobasket News
Knox embarrassed a struggling Brisbane team to the tune of 35 points at Knox Stadium Saturday night.

Knox guard and reigning SEABL East Conference MVP CJ Massingale (191-G-82, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Metro St.) led all scorers with 38 points as the Raiders cruised from the opening tip.

In front of a fired up home crowd for their mid-season spectacular, Knox brought their best in an electric opening quarter.

Massingale had things going early as he poured in three consecutive threes, while defensive lapses from Brisbane allowed Mick Hill and Cam Rigby to score with ease from both the perimeter and on the offensive glass.

At the other end, Brisbane struggled to find an avenue to the basket, and their eight first quarter turnovers set the tone for the rest of the match.

Led by Justin Aver (G-89) and Liam Carroll (192-F-90), Knoxs bench continued the scoring onslaught in the second quarter, and by halftime, the Raiders lead was a solid 15 points.

Knox tightened the screws even further in the third, with Massingale dropping another four three-pointers in the space of four minutes.

The import was also instrumental in forcing Brisbane into more turnovers than made field goals for the quarter. The full-court pressure applied by the Raiders culminated in several easy lay-ups for the home team, and midway through the quarter, the lead had blown out to over thirty points.

Brisbane guard Simon Taylor (189-G-86) offered some resistance for the Spartans, hustling his way to eight points for the quarter, but a late three point play to Aver further deflated the haphazard Spartans, sending the score to 87-53 at the final break.

The final quarter saw Knox veteran Mick Hill setting the tempo, dishing out four assists as he fed shooters with ease in transition. By the final buzzer, the home team had cruised to a comfortable 106-71 victory.

Brisbane committed an astounding 30 turnovers for the game, while making only 26 field goals.

This week, Knox have a top of the table clash in the Eastern conference against Bendigo on Saturday night, while Brisbane look to get their season back on track against Frankston at Carina.

Final Score

Knox 106 Massingale (38 points 8-11 3PM-A, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals), Mick Hill (13 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals)

Defeated

Brisbane 71 Ash Cannan (18 points, 8 rebounds), Greg Vanderjagt (12 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks), Groves (19 points, 8 turnovers)
By Patrick Lucas, SEABL Freelancer
Courtesy of: www.seabl.com.au

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BELARUS

Latvia U19 lose friendly series to Belarus U20 - by Eurobasket News
Latvian U19 selection played two more exhibition encounters against Belarusian U20 team. After the opening loss Latvia managed to prevail 72:65 in Game 2. The hosts used a 13:0 run midway through the third term to clear off for good in this one. Janis Timma (198-F-92) stepped up with 14 points to lead the effort. Arturs Bremers (187-G-92) contributed 13 points for Latvia.
Next day the teams clashed in the third game of the series. This time Belarus turned out winners 67:60 claiming 2-1 win in the series. Vitali Liutych (198-G/F-92) delivered 19 points to pace the visitors. Latvia looked better in the starting frame taking a 13:8 lead. But Belarus changed the complexion of the game in the next two periods. The visitors knocked down 37 points and posted a 4-point lead heading into the fourth frame. Latvia could not erase the deficit and had to surrender at the end. Valientin Ihnatchyk (192-G-91) came up with 13 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds for Belarus. Nikolay Solovyev (190-G-91) added 9 points for the winners. Janis Timma answered with 26 points for Latvia. Arturs Bremers finished with 8 points in defeat.

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BELGIUM

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Stefon JACKSON
  Verviers.
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 16.3

1. Jackson, Verviers.	16.3
2. Black, Antwerp	16.0
3. Freeman, Verviers.	15.9
4. Mallet, Charleroi	15.7
5. Lojeski, Oostende	15.3
6. Waters, Verviers.	15.0
7. Miller, Leuven	14.7
8. Taylor, M.Hainaut	14.7
9. Copeland, Aalstar	14.6
10. Hilliard, Aalstar	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Rashaun FREEMAN
  Verviers.
  (206-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8

1. Freeman, Verviers.	8.0
2. Young, Aalstar	7.8
3. Stipanovic, Liege	7.4
4. Randle, Gent	7.3
5. Hilliard, Aalstar	7.3
6. Gay, Verviers-Pep.	6.4
7. Brown, Antwerp	6.4
8. Jackson, Verviers.	6.3
9. Tofi, Leuven	6.0
10. Copeland, Aalstar	5.8

Assists Per Game

Darrel MITCHELL
  Oostende
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 4

1. Mitchell, Oostende	4.0
2. Dagunduro, Leuven	3.6
3. Hatten, M.Hainaut	3.6
4. Waters, Verviers.	3.4
5. Black, Antwerp	2.9
6. Bosco, Gent	2.9
7. Moors, Antwerp	2.8
8. Burrell, Aalstar	2.7
9. Miller, Leuven	2.5
10. Jenkins, Liege	2.5

Steals Per Game

Michael JENKINS
  Liege
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Jenkins, Liege	2.8
2. Hatten, M.Hainaut	2.3
3. Wilson, Antwerp	2.2
4. Dagunduro, Leuven	2.1
5. Mallet, Charleroi	2.1
6. Mitchell, Oostende	1.7
7. Biggs, Antwerp	1.7
8. McCauley, M.Hai.	1.6
9. Taylor, M.Hainaut	1.6
10. Wright, Charleroi	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (214-C-86)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Mejri, Antwerp	1.6
2. Riddick, Charleroi	1.6
3. Young, Aalstar	0.9
4. Johnson, Aalstar	0.9
5. Randle, Gent	0.8
6. Van Den Spie., Oos.	0.7
7. Tofi, Leuven	0.6
8. Wilson, Antwerp	0.6
9. Nivins, M.Hainaut	0.5
10. Pelle, Oostende	0.5

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BOSNIA

Halilovic and Masic win the title in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Two Bosnian players, Miralem Halilovic (206-F-91) and Ante Masic (200-/F-85), won the title in Croatian championship. They helped Zagreb to sweep Cedevita with perfect 3-0 in the Finals and to win their first title in the clubs history. Earlier this season Zagreb also celebrated in the Croatian National Cup.
In Game Three, which was played on Saturday, Zagreb handed 85-89 home loss to Cedevita. Ante Masic helped his team with 10 points and 4 rebounds in this game, while Miralem Halilovic was scoreless for three minutes.
Ante Masic joined Zagreb two years ago from Zlatorog Lasko. He appeared 18 times in Croatian league this season averaging 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds. In Adriatic league, he added 4.2 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 22 games.
Miralem Halilovic arrived to Zagreb from Fenerbahce Ulker last summer. He had 2.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg in Croatia. Halilovic also added 4.5 ppg and 4 rpg in Adriatic league.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Legs Share Mega Licks in Weekend Basketball Action - by David Edole
Dubbed the clash of the unbeaten and probably a preview of the senior division finals match up, Legs and Mega Mix battled for top honors in the 'Funny' Thomas 2011 Basketball League at the Multipurpose Sports Complex last Saturday, June 4.

Led by Jasin Edwin's double-double performance, Legs outplayed the defending champs 93-61 and prevented any late game surge that has become synonymous with teams coached by Verne 'Vego' Turnbull.

Edwin finished with 13 points and 16 rebounds and clinched five steals for Legs. Four other players finished with double digit points for Legs. Khalid Gerard finished with 17 points and Randy George (200-F-81, college: Henderson St.) stood tall in the paint with 14 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks. Kennedy Bass (196-F-81, college: Anderson) and Kitwana Rymer finished with 12 and 10 points respectively.

For Mega Mix, their second has proved destructive as they turned the ball over repeatedly and took a number of contested jumpers. Douron Phillip finished with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Halstead 'JR' Chiverton had nine points and six rebounds.

In other action around the league, Garvin Frett had 20 points to lead East past Against da Odds 76-70. For the East, Dwayne Penn ended with 12 points and Damian Ottley played to 9 points and 10 rebounds.

Against da Odds got scoring from Wuli Frometa, 14 points; Nathaniel Malone, 13 points; and Kimani Stevens, 10 points.

In the Junior Division, Fearless topped Young Gunners 75-74. Scoring for Fearless came from Ashield Frett, 14; David George, 12; and Christopher Santana, 11. Paul Bridgewater led the way with 13 points for Young Gunners.

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CANADA

Rosters announced for phase 1 All Canada Classic - by Eurobasket News
In a live selection show from Flagrant Fouls headquarters, Drew Ebanks, Gilbert Mauko and Nolan Shulman of the Canadian high school basketball website revealed the rosters for the boys East and West teams for the 2011 All Canada Classic. The girls rosters were announced by Phase 1 Basketball.

The national all-star game is an annual event presented by Phase 1 Basketball. The game is set for June 21 and for the second straight year, it will be hosted in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre.

Click here to watch 2011 All Canada Classic Selection Show.

The 42 players that make up the rosters for the All Canada Classic are all Canadian high school-aged athletes that have been identified by a committee to participate in this national all-star event.

Members of the 2010 National Team Program are well represented on all rosters, with 15 total athletes participating in both games.

Leading the way are 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship bronze medallists Kenny Fred Cherry (Montreal), Junior Lomomba (Longueuil, Que.) and Sim Bhullar (Brampton, Ont.) for the East squad and Kevin Thomas (Ajax, Ont.) for the West.

The rosters also include bronze medallists from last summer's FIBA U17 World Championship, including Kevin Pangos (Holland Landing, Ont.), Anthony Bennett (Brampton, Ont.), and Lomomba for the East. For the West, Olivier Hanlan (Gatineau, Que.), Negus Webster-Chan (Toronto) and Dyshawn Pierre (Whitby, Ont.) make up the rest of the 2010 National Team members.

On the girls' side, 2010 FIBA Americas U18 bronze medallist Kellie Ring (Ottawa) will suit up for the East team, while her teammate Rashida Tambilla (Ottawa) will play for the West. Last summer's National Cadette Team members Paige Crozon (Humboldt, Sask.) and Alexandria Kiss-Rusk (Baie d'Urf, Que.) will represent the East, while Vanessa Pickard (Moncton, N.B.) joins the West.

Ajax, Ontario's Dakota Whyte, who helped Canada to a fourth place finish in the first-ever Youth Olympic Games 3-on-3 competition in Singapore last summer is also featured in the girls game.

The 11th annual Rumble in the T-Dot, featuring the All Canada Classic national high school all star game presented by Jerome JYD Williams, is set for June 21 at the Air Canada Centre.

EVENT INFORMATION:

DATE: Tuesday June 21
LOCATION: Air Canada Centre

DOORS OPEN @ 3:00PM

GIRL'S ALL-STAR GAME: 4:00PM

DUNK CONTEST: 5:30PM

BOY'S ALL-STAR GAME: 5:50PM

BOYS WEST TEAM
Name Position Height High School Hometown
Olivier Hanlan PG 6'2 New Hampton School Gatineau, Que
Dylan Ennis PG 6'1 Lake Forest Academy Brampton, ON
Tyler Ennis PG 6'2 St.Benedict's Prep Brampton, ON
Negus Webster-Chan SG 6'6 Huntington Prep Scarborough, ON
Tyler Scott SG 6'2 Next Level Prep Halifax, NS
Nick Stauskas SF 6'6 St.Mark's High School Mississauga, ON
Dyshawn Pierre SF 6'5 Anderson CVI Whitby, ON
Stefan Jankovic PF 6'4 Huntington Prep Mississauga, ON
Justin Shaver PF 6'6 John McCrae Secondary Ottawa, ON
Kevin Thomas PF 6'7 Christian Faith Center Academy Ajax, ON
Braeden Anderson PF 6'7 Wilbraham and Monson Okotoks, AB

BOYS EAST TEAM
Name Position Height High School Hometown
Kevin Pangos PG 6'1 Dr. Denison Holland Landing, ON
Kenny Fred Cherry PG 6'0 Archbishop Carroll Parc Ex, QC
Naz Long PG 6'2 Findlay College Prep Mississauga, ON
Junior Lomomba SG 6'4 Memorial Longueuil, QC
Xavier Rathan-Mayes SG 6'4 Christian Faith Center Academy Scarborough, ON
Justin Edwards SG 6'2 Anderson CVI Whitby, ON
Mikyle McIntosh SF 6'6 Christian Faith Center Academy Ajax, ON
Jean Pierre-Charles SF 6'8 Ashbury Ottawa, ON
Agunwa Okolie SF 6'6 Denis O'Connor Ajax, ON
Anthony Bennett PF 6'6 Findlay College Prep Brampton, ON
Sim Bhullar C 7'5 Huntington Prep Toronto, ON

GIRLS WEST TEAM
Name Position Height High School Hometown
Cassandra Nofuente PG 5'9 Downsview Secondary School Toronto, ON
Kaili Lukan PG 5'11 Barrie Central Collegiate Barrie, ON
Mariah Nunes G 5'10 Bill Crothers Academy Ajax, ON
Vanessa Pickard G 511 Riverview High School Moncton, NB
Alex Warburton G/F 6'2 Sanford High School Carman, MB
Tia Coulter F 6'0 Crocus Plains High School Brandon, MB
Taijah Campbell F 6'2 Pickering High School Ajax, ON
Rashida Timbilla F 6'1 John McCrae Secondary Nepean, ON
Abigail Fogg C 6'4 Korah Collegiate Sault Ste Marie, ON
Becky Nash C 6'4 Pickering High School Ajax, ON

GIRLS EAST TEAM
Name Position Height High School Hometown
Kellie Ring PG 510 Louis Riel High School Ottawa, ON
Dakota Whyte PG 5'8 Notre Dame High School Ajax, ON
Danielle Carriere G 5'8 John Paul II London, ON
Kayla Santilli G 5'10 St. John's Catholic Brantford, ON
Kim Pierre-Louis F 60 St. Paul Catholic High School Ottawa, ON
Lindsay Shotbolt F 5'11 Bill Crothers Academy Toronto, ON
Maddie Stephen F 6'1 Lawrence Park High School Toronto, ON
Paige Crozon F 6'1 Humboldt Collegiate Institute Humboldt, SK
Alexandria Kiss-Rusk F 6'4 Phillips Academy Baie d'Urf, QC
Jory McDonald F 61 Regiopolis-Notre Dame Kingston, ON

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

NBL: Talks become more serious - by Eurobasket News
The prospective owner of a Kingston professional basketball team brought along some high-profile company to meetings with city officials Friday.

Toronto-based investment adviser Steven Conville toured the K-Rock Centre and met with city officials for the second time in less than a month to work out the details of a Kingston franchise in the newly established National Basketball League of Can - ada.

On this particular visit, Conville had former Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell in tow.

'He's helping me show that I'm serious about my commitment to Kings ton,' Conville said.

League president Andre Levingston also accompanied Conville to meetings with Mayor Mark Gerretsen and K-Rock Centre general manager Ken Noakes.

Last month, Conville told The Kingston Whig-Standard that he would bring in a veteran NBA personality to coach a Kingston team.

Though Mitchell would fit the profile, Conville said the coach was only there to offer advice. Mitchell, now an assistant coach of the New Jersey Nets, was also present at the May 12 announcement of the formation of the new Canadian league.

'I couldn't afford (Mitchell),' he said. 'But he's one of my best friends and he reached out to me to give some support.'

Conville has been working with K-Rock Centre management to finalize a lease agreement. He hopes there will be an official writeup on the proposed K-Rock tenancy completed for city council's approval as early as next week.

City council must approve any new lease agreement at the city-owned facility.

Friday afternoon, city commissioner Denis Leger, city senior legal counsel Alan McLeod and Noakes met with Conville and league officials at the K-Rock Centre and later at the Radisson Hotel. Gerretsen joined the group for the meeting at the Radisson.

Jeff Garrah, CEO of Kingston Economic Development Corporation, introduced Conville to members of the local basketball community, including Nate Doornekamp, who played on the Canadian national team.

Garrah said it's unlikely that a proposal will be ready for Tuesday's council meeting.

'While there's a sense of urgency for this, we also don't want to sign the wrong deal for the city or the team,' said Garrah, who's facilitated discussions between Conville and city officials.

He said a new tenant at the K-Rock Centre is an attractive prospect, considering the financial state of the facility.

'The K-Rock Centre is making money, but it's not making the revenue benchmarks that were planned. Anything that can assist in going further to achieve the revenue target is a good thing.'

Conville has already submitted an application to the Canadian league and has paid the required deposit fees. The undisclosed franchise fee is due to the league by June 15.

'We need to work out a lease that reflects the amount of revenue of a start-up pro basketball team in Canada,' Conville said, adding that he expects attendances between 1,000 and 2,000 fans per game in the inaugural season that's set to start in October.

If Conville's proposal is approved by council in the coming weeks, he said he'll spend the rest of the summer launching an awareness campaign. He'll need to have all details finalized by June 30, when the league plans to announce the final roster of teams.

'If council and I can get this approval in a timely fashion, I really look forward to having a community contest to name the team,' he said.

Conville is portfolio manager and investment adviser with Macquarie Private Wealth in Toronto, specializing in advising professional athletes and entertainers.

He said he'll use his connections to import NBA stars and boost the profile of his franchise -- just as he did yesterday with Mitchell.

'Hopefully, I can leverage those relationships like I did today to get an unbelievable, unpaid consultant to support me and my franchise,' he said. 'We want to try and get as many coaches and players clinics as possible in the summer months.'

Courtesy of www.thewhig.com

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CENTRAL AFRICA

Romain Sato wins another title with Panathinaikos - by Eurobasket News
Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) just ended a wonderful season with Panathinaikos. The Greens won the Euroleague title earlier this year and last night they managed to defend the trophy in Greek championship. They grabbed 101-94 OT win against Olympiakos to end the Finals with almost perfect 3-1. Sato collected 9 points and 5 rebounds in this meeting. The Central African G/SF joined PAO from Montepaschi last summer. He appeared 34 times in Greece averaging 8.7 points and 2.7 rebounds. In Euroleague, he added 9.1 ppg and 4 rpg for 21 games.

Finals, Game 4: Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 101-94 OT (3-1)

Nothing new in Greece as Panathinaikos won their ninth straight title. Game Four of the Playoff Finals ended just few minutes ago and PAO registered 101-94 OT win against Olympiakos. This is 13th title in the last 14 seasons for the Greens. They also celebrated in Euroleague this year, while the Greek National Cup belonged to Reds.
Olympiakos was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 23-22 charge of Panathinaikos, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 18-11. Panathinaikos made 33-of-38 free shots (86.8 percent) during the game. Panathinaikos outrebounded Olympiakos 36-23 including a 13-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. 33 personal fouls committed by Olympiakos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American center Mike Batiste fired a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Guard Nick Calathes chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists. International center Ioannis Bourousis produced a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks and international guard Vassilis Spanoulis added 18 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Panathinaikos was No.2 in regular season with 24-2 record (both defeats against Olympiakos). They eliminated Peristeri in the Quarterfinals (2-0) and PAOK in the Semis (3-0).

Olympiakos: V.Spanoulis 18+1reb+5ast, I.Bourousis 16+10reb+1ast, L.Mavrokefalides 12+3reb+2ast, P.Vasilopoulos 11, Y.Halperin 9+2ast, M.Teodosic 8+3ast
Panathinaikos: M.Batiste 22+11reb, A.Fotsis 22+1reb, N.Calathes 16+5reb+11ast, K.Kaimakoglou 11+3reb+1ast, D.Nicholas 9+2reb+4ast, R.Sato 9+5reb

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Changes in Pardubice - by Surujh Roopnarine
Coming off their third third-place finish in four seasons, BK JIP Pardubice announced that several players will not be returning for next season. Included are American import and starting point guard, Derek Wright (175-G-86, college: Austin Peay St.) along with veteran presences Pavel Milos (200-F-79), Lucas Kraus (201-F-84) and Martin Sykora (190-G/F-81). Manager Pavel Stara stated that while keeping the core of the team was a priority, that the club did need some changes to try and crack the ceiling that has been Nymburk and Prostejov the last few years. Rumors surround who the club will bring in as replacements and reinforcements for next season.. Initial speculation has the club targeting Michal Michal Kremen (200-F-81) of Nymburk, Michal Michal Carnecky (184-G-85) of Opava, Lukas Kotas (194-F-84) of Praha and possibly Canadian-Jamaican import Corey Muirhead (198-F-83, college: W.Carolina) of Novy Jicin. The club expects to solidify their roster plans by the end of June.

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DENMARK

EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

ESL Houston Confirms international scouting list - by Eurobasket
The Eurobasket Summer League (Houston) will be hosted by the Universal Basketball Association (UBA) this summer. The talent list includes standout named like James White (6'6''-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Cincinnati), Ernest Scott (6'7''-F-82, agency: VVG Sports, college: Valdosta St.) and UBA MVP Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Atlanta Christian). For players this is a huge opportunity to show case your talent in front of international clubs. This is what the ESL is all about.
ESL (Houston) has confirmed that there are over 10 Gms and coaches that will attend this years event. With no NBA summer league ESL has become the #1 provider for not only scouts but players to move on to the next level. Teams from Japan, Iceland, Mexico, Romania and Taiwan will be in attendance.
Not only will there be international scouts that this event; the ESL (Houston) has some of the top coaches in the world. Ricky Benitez and Hrafn Kristjansson will be coaching 2 of the 8 teams in Houston.
Ricky Benitez is by far one of the top coaches in the world. Benitez has coached in the USBL, WBA, CBA, Mexico, Venezuela and the NCAA. In 2006 Benitez was selected to the Mexican All-Star Team (import coach).
Hrafn Kristjansson is becoming one of the most popular figures in Iceland. Kristjansson was named 2010-2011 Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League Coach of the Year leading his team to a 16-6 record. Following a great regular season he led KR to its 1st League Championship since 2009. If that wasnt enough coach Hrafn led his young squad to its first Icelandic Powerade Cup Championship.
If having the scouts attending the ESL (Houston wasnt enough. What about having the 1st Annual ESL Slam Dunk Showdown. Although there will be a lot of dunkers everyone will be there to see James White vs. the YouTube phoneme Guy Dupuy (6'4''-F-87). The ESL (Houston) looks to be a major media attraction and should be very interesting.
The UBA will have a select team in attendance. As you know the Houston Xperience of the UBA will be hosting this event. The club will be led by UBA powers of Rasheem Barrett (6'5''-G-87, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Auburn) and League MVP Jermaine Barnes. This is a very exciting time for the Xperience and the city of Houston, said team owner Kevin Williams. I think the UBA will take this event. The UBA selection team will be coached by Michael Davis and Steve Dolan .

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EUROLEAGUE

Robertas Javtokas signs with Zalgiris - by Eurobasket News
Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) signs with Zalgiris for the next season and will help the team in EuroLeague, Baltic League, VTB-League and LKL.
In 2009-2010 the Lithuanian Center played for BC Khimky Moscow Region (Russia-A Superleague, starting five) and in Russian League averaged 8.7ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP-3 (67.9%), FT: 49.5%. In Euroleague after 16 games his stats read 10.1ppg, Reb-5 (6.4rpg), Blocks-5 (1.2bpg), FGP: 60.2%, FT: 45.7%, while in VTB League he showed 7.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP-3 (68.4%), FT: 52.6%.
The season 2010-2011 Robertas Javtokas appeared for Valencia B.C. (Spain-ACB, starting five) and in Euroleague had 8.2ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 41.4%.
For Power Electronics Valencia last season he recorded 18 points twice in the season. The last one was at the Regular Season Round 22 when Power Electronics Valencia beat on the road CAI Zaragoza 76-72. It looked good early as CAI Zaragoza took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Power Electronics Valencia had a 24-18 second period charge getting the lead and CAI Zaragoza was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 72-76. Lithuanian center Robertas Javtokas notched 18 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort.

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FINLAND

FRANCE

Paris-Levallois add Trenton Meacham - by Eurobasket News
Trenton Meacham (188-G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Illinois) will continue his career in France. The 25-year-old guard has agreed on terms of contract with Paris-Levallois. Trenton Meacham spent the last season in Germany. He averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds per EuroCup game with Goettingen. In Bundesliga the guard notched 11.3 points, 2.9 assists and 1.9 rebounds per. Trenton Meacham parted ways with Goettingen in April. In 2009/10 season the guard played for Kraftwerk Wels in Austria. He participated at Austrian Bundesliga All-Star Game. Eurobasket.com awarded Trenton Meacham with All-Austrian Bundesliga Honourable Mention in 2010. Trenton Meacham will enter his third pro season after graduating from the University of Illinois in 2009.

Jonathan Rousselle inks deal with Gravelines - by Eurobasket News
Jonathan Rousselle (188-G-90) signed a new three-year contract with Gravelines. Last season the guard averaged 2.7 points, 1.1 assists and 1.0 rebound per game in EuroChallenge. In ProA his stats read 1.3 points per appearance. Jonathan Rousselle is set to be loaned to Boulogne in the upcoming season.

Orleans bring in David Monds - by Eurobasket News
Orleans added size to their frontcourt. They signed deal with David Monds (205-F-83, college: Oklahoma St.). The 27-year-old forward spent the last season in Bourg Basket. David Monds averaged 14.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in ProB. Earlier David Monds had spells in WBA, Turkey, Germany, D-League, Puerto Rico and Greece.

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GERMANY

Jamie Duncan Takes Over Reigns As Head Coach For TSV Troster Breitengussbach - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After getting coaching experience the last four years as an assistant, Jamie Duncan finally got a break getting his first head coaching job with PRO B club TSV Troster Breitengussbach, which is the farm team of three time beko BBL champion Brose B askets Bamberg. Duncan relieves Volker Stix who will remain as sport coordinator for Bamberg. Duncan is a 34 year old Canadian fromBurlington, Canada that played at Brock (CIAU) from 1998-2001and then came overseas and played some years of professional basketball for TSV Quakenbruck in the second and first Bundesliga. He also played a season for the ART Duesseldorf Magics (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 29 games: 7.7ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 50%, 3FGP: 25.6%, FT: 63.8%. He started his coaching career in 2006 for the Artland Dragons as an assistant. In 2007-2008, he got experience in Belgium for Euphony Bree (Belgium-D1) as an assistant. He went back to Artland to be assistnat coach from 2008-2010. 'Breitengussbach has a long traditionand has been very successful developing players for Bamberg. I am very happy to be new coach of Breitengussbach and it will be a big challenge for me. I am looking forward to work together with the Gussbach-Bamberg familyand can hardly wait for the new season. This is a great program', stressed Jamie Duncan

Source: Brose Baskets Bamberg.

Kevin Hamilton (Currently Indios de Mayaguez Puerto Rico) beko BBL Final Pregame Thoughts To Bamberg-Alba Berlin - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Holy Cross) is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York. This season, he is playing for The New York Phantoms Braunschweig. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookie season 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2 (2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1 (6.4apg), Steals-1 (2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. In tue summer of 2009, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing 35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3 (6.3apg), Steals-2 (1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. In 2009-2010, he played his first season in Braunschweig playing 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), Steals-2 (1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. In 2010-2011, he averaged 9,oppg, 4,1rpg and 4,3apg. Currently he is playing in Puerto Rico for Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-BSN) averaging 10,6ppg, 4,4rpg and 8,0apg. He spoke to Eurobasket about the 2011 beko BBL final between Bamberg and Alba Berlin

The Brose Baskets Bamberg beat The Artland Dragons 3-2 to reach the final. Were you surprised that Bamberg had to go the distance?

No I knew that it was going to be a good series. Artland had been playing at a high level for the past couple months and had played Bamburg real tough in the cup.

Alba Berlin beat The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 3-2 where no team was able to win at home. How crazy is that and what does that say about the mental toughness of both teams on the road?

I think it showed that they can play though adversity which should help Berlin next round.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg meet Alba Berlin in the finals. What kind of series can we expect and will this go the distance?

I think it will go the distance. They are two very disciplined and talented teams so it should be entertaining.

Alba Berlin lost both games during the regular season including losing by 52 points in Bamberg. How much will that still be on the minds of Alba Berlin.

I do not think it will be much of a factor. The playoffs are a completely different ball game.

Both teams have very good guard play, but does the advantage still go to Bamberg on account of their experience and having played together longer whereas with Alba you had guys like Taylor Rochestie and Heiko Schaffartzik coming late in the season?

I think they might have the slight advantage because they have played together for 2 years, but I think Taylor and Heiko have both played real well and on any given night can help Berlin win so if there is any advantage it is a small one.

Both teams also have very good forward play. Who has the edge and could the key matchup in this series be Predrag Suput-Derrick Allen?

I can not really tell with this one. They were the best power-forwards in the league this year, and are both great leaders so this is going to be a good match-up !

Who has the edge on the center position? The Alba Berlin duo of Yassin Idbihi and Miroslav Raduljica have been tough on Frankfurt, but could get more resistance against Bamberg while the duo of Tibor Pleiss and Kyle Hines gives Bamberg a totally different face each time the other is on the court.

This is also very hard to tell. I can not give you and answer on this one.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg play a controlled offense with possibily the best ball movement in the beko BBL and their defense belongs to the best in the league, while Alba Berlin plays faster, less predictable and with changing defenses. What will be key for Alba Berlin/Bamberg to win this series?

I think the key is going to come down to turnovers and rebounding. When you get to this stage its tough not to let emotions get the best of you. The team that stays the most composed and sticks to their game plan will win.

Shaq announced his retirement. What was your favorite Shaq moment while he was in the NBA?

When he cursed on T.V. about the refs.

Scottie Pippen stated that Lebron James is better than Michael Jordan. What is your take on this statement?

I disagree , at least for now, but he is in-titled to his opinion.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Martin season 3

Thanks Kev for the chat.

Tino Stumpf New Head Coach With BG Karlsruhe - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

BG Karlsruhe has announced that Tino Stumpf will be head coach for the 2011-2012 PRO A season. The 36 year old last coached Science City Jena and recieved a two year contract from BG Karlsruhe. Stumpf is a guy that is very versatile as he had many positions with Science City Jena like youth coordinator, NBBL coach, manager and head of operations. 'Tino Stumpf fits our needs as coach. We wanted a German coach and despite his youth, he has PRO A experience and he has proved in the past that he can develop young players. I think that he can build a young and hungry team', stated BG Karlsruhe manager Rolf Muller. 'I am looking forward on my new challenge in Karlsruhe which is a very traditional club. One of my reasons for coming is the new concept that the club wants to get back to the top step by step', stated Tino Stumpf .

Source: BG Karlsruhe

Quentin Pryor (Phoenix Hagen) Bamberg Does Such A Good Job Of Hounding The Ball And Taking People Out Of Their Comfort Zone - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) is a 27 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Eupora, Mississippi and just completed his third season playing with Phoenix Hagen. He started his college basketball career at Jackson State, before finishing at Morehead State from 2005-2007. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with FC Schalke 04 playing 29 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. In 2008-2009 for Phoenix Hagen, he played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2. In 2009-2010 he played 33 games: 8.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 72.9%. In 2010-2011, he played 33 games averaging 11,3ppg, 3,5rpg, 2,2apg and 1,5spg. He spoke to eurobasket about the 2011 beko BBL final between Bamberg and Alba Berlin.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg beat The Artland Dragons 3-2 to reach the final. Were you surprised that Bamberg had to go the distance?

I wasn't surprised because Artland had the talent to beat them.

Alba Berlin beat The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 3-2 where no team was able to win at home. How crazy is that and what does that say about the mental toughness of both teams on the road?

Home court advantage didn't matter in that series. I figured one of them would eventually win at home but it didn't happen.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg meet Alba Berlin in the finals. What kind of series can we expect and will this go the distance?

These were the two teams that most people picked at the beginning of the season. I think that it will be a great series that will go the distance.

Alba Berlin lost both games during the regular season including losing by 52 points in Bamberg. How much will that still be on the minds of Alba Berlin.

I'm sure that it sits in the back of there minds but this is a new series where they can redeem themselves if they win the series.

Both teams have very good guard play, but does the advantage still go to Bamberg on account of their experience and having played together longer whereas with Alba you had guys like Taylor Rochestie and Heiko Schaffartzik coming late in the season?

I don't think it will hurt them because they seem to have done better once they joined the team.

Both teams also have very good forward play. Who has the edge and could the key matchup in this series be Predrag Suput-Derrick Allen?

I think they are even when it comes to the frontcourt. They both have bangers and shooters. Allen-Suput will be the key matchup. Both are all-league players.

Who has the edge on the center position? The Alba Berlin duo of Yassin Idbihi and Miroslav Raduljica have been tough on Frankfurt, but could get more resistance against Bamberg while the duo of Tibor Pleiss and Kyle Hines gives Bamberg a totally different face each time the other is on the court.

I have to go with Bamberg. Hines is definately a match-up problem because he can put the ball on floor.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg play a controlled offense with possibily the best ball movement in the beko BBL and their defense belongs to the best in the league, while Alba Berlin plays faster, less predictable and with changing defenses. What will be key for Alba Berlin/Bamberg to win this series?

Berlin has to be able to make plays and run their offense. Bamberg does such a good job of hounding the ball and taking people out of their comfort level. Bamberg doesn't have to change anything. They ran through the league this year and its gotten them this far so why change now.

Shaq announced his retirement. What was your favorite Shaq moment while he was in the NBA?

His personality was what set him apart. He was able to do alot of different things.

Scottie Pippen stated that Lebron James is better than Michael Jordan. What is your take on this statement?

He said that he has the potential to be better than Jordan when he is done with his career. I agree with it somewhat but Jordan in my mind is the G.O.A.T.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I watch Fast 5 when it came out but thats about it. I rarely watch movies when I'm home.

Thanks Q for the chat

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GREECE

Baxter close to his return to Europe - by George Fragkos
After a brief period in Iran, Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida) is about to return to play in Europe. His very good appearances both in Greece and in Iran, attracted clubs from Italy, Russia, Ukraine and Poland, which have already shown their interest to add Baxter to their roster. Though, the American's excellent performances as a player of Ilysiakos Athens could not be overlooked by the Greek ones either and according to his agent he has received a proposal by a team from Greece too.

In A1 league, Baxter had the 3rd best point average with 15.9 points per game and the highest assist average alongside his former teammate Thanasis Karydas, with 1.8 assists per game. In general, he helped Ilysiakos at a lot of games of the season and he was considered to be one of the most important players, not only at his team, but also in the whole league.

Despite the fact that he would be interested in returning to Greece, his most probable destination is Russia, as he the most fetching proposal he has received comes from a team, which plays in the PBL.

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HOLLAND

GasTerra Flames lands Alex Wesby - by Fred Roggen
Dutch powerhouse GasTerra Flames has reinforced its perimeter game with the addition of veteran scorer Alex Wesby (196-G-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Temple), the club announced today.
The Flames inked a deal for the upcoming season with American Alex Wesby. He arrives to Groningen from Swedish Sundsvall Dragons, where he averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists for 46 games in the Swedish Basketligan.
Eurobasket awarded Wesby with All-Swedish Basketligan Forward of the Year and All-Swedish Basketligan 1st team.

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ICELAND

Finland U16 clinched the title at the Nordic Cup - by Eurobasket News
Final

Finland U16-Iceland U16 84:67

Finland U16 clinched the title at the Nordic Cup in Solna. The team overcame Iceland 84:67 in the Final to close the tournament.
It was a great start as both teams desired the finish the tournament on a high note. Iceland grabbed 19-17 after the first period but lost three other quarters. Finland bounced back with 29-17 in the second period and added 18-13 in the third frame. Moreover the winners finished the game with 20-18 to seal the final victory.
Finland outrebounded the opponents 50/32 and made more assists 15 versus 5. Iceland meanwhile made 15 steals versus 10 and had a better percentage from the free throw line.
Oskar Michelsen (199-F-95) paced all the winners with 18 points, while Ville Hanninen (192-G-95) netted 17. Anton Odabasi (196-F-95) ended up with 14 and Emir Sulejmanovic (203-C/F-95) nailed 12. Maciej Baginski (190-G-95) replied with 23 points as Iceland enjoyed also the second place. Oddur Kristjansson (180-G-95) scored 18, whilst Dagur Jonsson (95) added 10.

Finland U16: Oskar Michelsen 18, Ville Hanninen 17, Anton Odabasi 14, Emir Sulejmanovic 12
Iceland U16: Maciej Baginski 23, Oddur Kristjansson 18, Dagur Jonsson 10

Sweden U18 won the Nordic Cup 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U18-Iceland U18 93:65

Sweden U18 won the Nordic Cup 2011 as the hosts dominated their age group in Solna. Finishing the Robin Round with 4 victories the Swedish side added 93:65 win over Iceland in the Final.
Iceland surprised the hosts in the opening quarter taking 19-17 at the end of it. Sweden however deserved the win more and proved their superiority in three other quarters. They finished the half with 24-14 in the second period and then won the third and the last periods. Sweden needed 29-12 in the third frame and ensured the bigger win due to 23-20 in the last stanza.
Sweden outrebounded the opponents 49/24 and they also made more assists in the game (18/10).
Marcus Eriksson (196-G/F-93) top-scored for the winners with 26 points, while Tobias Borg (183-G-93), Niklas Larsson (196-G/F-94) and Nicholas Spires (210-C/F-94) had 12 points each. Matthias Orri Matthias Sigurdarsson (176-G-94) replied with 20 points in the losing effort and Valur Orri Valur Valsson (181-G-94) netted 13.

Sweden U18: Marcus Eriksson 26, Tobias Borg 12, Niklas Larsson 12, Nicholas Spires 12+13 rebs
Iceland U18: Matthias Sigurdarsson 20, Valur Valsson 13

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ISRAEL

Eurobasket.com All-Israeli National League Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket.com All-Israeli National League 1st Team 2011

Asbury

Davidi

Lahat

Hofman

Miller

Player of the Year: Brian Asbury (200-F-86) of Hapoel T-A
Guard of the Year: Dror Davidi (190-G-84) of Elitzur Ramla
Forward of the Year: Brian Asbury (200-F-86) of Hapoel T-A
Center of the Year: Adrian Uter (201-F/C-84) of Hapoel T-A
Defensive Player of the Year: Nate Miller (193-F-87) of Maccabi T-A
Domestic Player of the Year: Dror Davidi (190-G-84) of Elitzur Ramla
Import of the Year: Brian Asbury (200-F-86) of Hapoel T-A
Newcomer of the Year: Johnathan Shtarkman (187-G-91) of Megido/Yokneam
Coach of the Year: Sharon Avrhami of Hapoel T-A

1st Team
G: Dror Davidi (190-84) of Elitzur Ramla
G: Yaron Lahat (186-76) of Hapoel T-A
G/F: Elad Hofman (192-85) of Elitzur Yavne
F: Brian Asbury (200-86) of Hapoel T-A
F: Nate Miller (193-87) of Maccabi T-A

2nd Team
G: Paul Delaney (188-86) of Maccabi HBK
G: Antwan Henry Dobie (183-78) of Lev Hasharon
F: Jermaine Hall (196-80) of Beer Yaakov
F: Ramon Clemente (200-85) of Megido/Yokneam
F/C: Adrian Uter (201-84) of Hapoel T-A

Honorable Mention
Steffon Bradford (200-F-78) of Maccabi HBK
Oded Shaashoua (186-PG-82) of Hapoel Tivon
Jason Johnson (203-F-86) of Ironi Nahariya
Stacey Moragne (195-F-83) of Hapoel Beeri
Isaac Rosefelt (205-C/F-85) of Ironi Ramat Gan
Chad Timberlake (194-G-84) of Elitzur Yavne
Jermaine Hall (196-F-80) of Beer Yaakov
Lorrenzo Wade (198-F-85) of Lev Hasharon
Gerry Gendel (203-G/F-80) of Hod Hasharon
Antwan Henry Dobie (183-G-78) of Lev Hasharon

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Dror Davidi (190-84) of Elitzur Ramla
G: Yaron Lahat (186-76) of Hapoel T-A
G/F: Elad Hofman (192-85) of Elitzur Yavne
G/F: Gerry Gendel (203-80) of Hod Hasharon
C/F: Isaac Rosefelt (205-85) of Ironi Ramat Gan

All-Imports Team
G: Paul Delaney (188-86) of Maccabi HBK
G: Antwan Henry Dobie (183-78) of Lev Hasharon
F: Brian Asbury (200-86) of Hapoel T-A
F: Ramon Clemente (200-85) of Megido/Yokneam
F: Nate Miller (193-87) of Maccabi T-A

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ITALY

Sutor relocates to Ancona - by Eurobasket News
SS Sutor announced that the team will be playing in Ancona next season. PalaRossini in Ancona will serve as home arena for the team. The management agreed on terms of the usage of PalaRossini for home games next season. Tiziano Basso will hold a press-conference at City Hall of Ancona on June 7.

Source: Lakers hire Ettore Messina - by Eurobasket News
Italian coach Ettore Messina has agreed to join Michael Brown's coaching staff with the Los Angeles Lakers, a source familiar with the negotiations said.

Messina will be listed as an assistant coach but will be behind the bench, not on it, and will serve in more of a consulting capacity, sources said.

Brown developed a relationship with Messina when he was head coach of the Cavaliers and Messina was the head coach of CSKA Moscow. Brown routinely flew to Italy, where Messina held CSKA's training camps, to pick up new ideas to use with the Cavs.

Courtesy of ESPN

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KOSOVO

Sigal Prishtina defends the title - by Eurobasket News
Sigal Prishtina continued its domination in Kosovan basketball. They swept Peja with perfect 3-0 in the Finals and defended the Superleague title. In Game Three, which was played last night, Sigal Prishtina destroyed Peja 104-70. Before that, the team from Prishtina cruised past Peja on the road 74-89 for 2-0 lead. In the first meeting, Sigal made easy 94-78 victory.
Sigal Prishtina was the regular season champion with 26-2 record. They eliminated Trepca in the Semis with 2-0. This title is their sixth in a row. Sigal also was the champion of Kosovo in 2002 and 2003. They also won several National Cup trophies.

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LATVIA

Gundars Vetra returns to Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Gundars Vetra is coming back to Latvia. The 44-year-old specialist has been named new head coach of Ventspils. Gundars Vetra worked in Russia since 2007. He guided CSKA Samara and UMMC women teams. In 2002/07 seasons Gundars Vetra worked with Barons Riga. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Latvian LBL Coach of the Year in 2004. Vetra was twice named Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Coach of the Year while working with UMMC. Gundars Vetra worked as coach assistant with Latvian womens U20 National Team and mens National Team. The deal with Ventspils is meant for two seasons. Vetra will change Algirdas Brazys on the bridge. He will be assisted by Martins Zibarts .

Latvia U19 lose friendly series to Belarus U20 - by Eurobasket News
Latvian U19 selection played two more exhibition encounters against Belarusian U20 team. After the opening loss Latvia managed to prevail 72:65 in Game 2. The hosts used a 13:0 run midway through the third term to clear off for good in this one. Janis Timma (198-F-92) stepped up with 14 points to lead the effort. Arturs Bremers (187-G-92) contributed 13 points for Latvia.
Next day the teams clashed in the third game of the series. This time Belarus turned out winners 67:60 claiming 2-1 win in the series. Vitali Liutych (198-G/F-92) delivered 19 points to pace the visitors. Latvia looked better in the starting frame taking a 13:8 lead. But Belarus changed the complexion of the game in the next two periods. The visitors knocked down 37 points and posted a 4-point lead heading into the fourth frame. Latvia could not erase the deficit and had to surrender at the end. Valientin Ihnatchyk (192-G-91) came up with 13 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds for Belarus. Nikolay Solovyev (190-G-91) added 9 points for the winners. Janis Timma answered with 26 points for Latvia. Arturs Bremers finished with 8 points in defeat.

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LITHUANIA

20 candidates for the Lithuanian National Team - by Eurobasket News
Head Coach of the Lithuanian National Team Kestutis Kemzura announced the list of 20 candidates for the EuroBasket 2011. Of course, Lithuania will be the host of this event. The list includes eight players who were on the team that won bronze in World Championship in Turkey and six veterans. The main target of the Lithuanian NT is to qualify for the Olympic Games 2012. Kemzura stated that he wants the best players available at this moment regardless of their age. Team Lithuania will start preparations for EuroBasket on July 18.

List of candidates:
Mantas Kalnietis (Zalgiris)
Sarunas Jasikevicius (Fenerbahce Ulker)
Rimantas Kaukenas (Montepaschi Siena)
Tomas Delininkaitis (Zalgiris)
Martynas Gecevicius (Lietuvos Rytas)
Martynas Pocius (Zalgiris)
Renaldas Seibutis (Olin Erdine)
Mindaugas Lukauskis (EWE Baskets)
Simas Jasaitis (Lietuvos Rytas)
Mindaugas Kuzminskas (Zalgiris)
Arturas Jomantas (Lietuvos Rytas)
Deividas Gailius (Virtus Bologna)
Ksistof Lavrinovic (Montepaschi Siena)
Paulius Jankunas (Zalgiris)
Donatas Motiejunas (Benetton Treviso)
Darjus Lavrinovic (Fenerbahce Ulker)
Marijonas Petravicius (Armani Jeans Milano)
Robertas Javtokas (Zalgiris)
Jonas Valanciunas (Lietuvos Rytas)

As mentioned above, Lithuania won the Bronze at the latest World Championship in Turkey. They outplayed Serbia 89-74 in the game for third place. Linas Kleiza exploded in that game with 33 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Robertas Javtokas signs with Zalgiris - by Eurobasket News
Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) signs with Zalgiris for the next season and will help the team in EuroLeague, Baltic League, VTB-League and LKL.
In 2009-2010 the Lithuanian Center played for BC Khimky Moscow Region (Russia-A Superleague, starting five) and in Russian League averaged 8.7ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP-3 (67.9%), FT: 49.5%. In Euroleague after 16 games his stats read 10.1ppg, Reb-5 (6.4rpg), Blocks-5 (1.2bpg), FGP: 60.2%, FT: 45.7%, while in VTB League he showed 7.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP-3 (68.4%), FT: 52.6%.
The season 2010-2011 Robertas Javtokas appeared for Valencia B.C. (Spain-ACB, starting five) and in Euroleague had 8.2ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 41.4%.
For Power Electronics Valencia last season he recorded 18 points twice in the season. The last one was at the Regular Season Round 22 when Power Electronics Valencia beat on the road CAI Zaragoza 76-72. It looked good early as CAI Zaragoza took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Power Electronics Valencia had a 24-18 second period charge getting the lead and CAI Zaragoza was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 72-76. Lithuanian center Robertas Javtokas notched 18 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort.

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LUXEMBOURG

Residence keep Marcus Kennedy - by Eurobasket News
Residence secured the services of Marcus Kennedy (193-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Montevallo). The team has agreed on terms of one-season contract extension with the player. The forward joined the Walferdange team in 2009. Last season Marcus Kennedy averaged 25.6 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game in Diekirch League. Marcus Kennedy was named into All-Luxembourg League 1st Team in 2010. The forward arrived to Luxembourg straight out of college. He graduated from the University of Montevallo in 2007 and joined Etzella.
In the meantime Residence parted ways with Marco Leschek (204-C-76). The German centre played for the team since 2007. Last season the centre tallied 7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds per game.

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NBA

Source: Lakers hire Ettore Messina - by Eurobasket News
Italian coach Ettore Messina has agreed to join Michael Brown's coaching staff with the Los Angeles Lakers, a source familiar with the negotiations said.

Messina will be listed as an assistant coach but will be behind the bench, not on it, and will serve in more of a consulting capacity, sources said.

Brown developed a relationship with Messina when he was head coach of the Cavaliers and Messina was the head coach of CSKA Moscow. Brown routinely flew to Italy, where Messina held CSKA's training camps, to pick up new ideas to use with the Cavs.

Courtesy of ESPN

Heat keep cool, top Mavericks 88-86 to capture 2-1 series lead - by Eurobasket News
The Miami Heat didn't blow this one. Now they're just two wins from being crowned NBA champions.

Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) made a 16-foot, go-ahead jumper from the baseline with 39.6 seconds left and the Heat held on for an 88-86 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night for a 2-1 lead in the NBA finals.

Recent history says this is a huge win for the Heat. The Game 3 winner in a tied finals has won the championship all 11 times since the 2-3-2 format began in 1985.

Miami got into this tight of a series by blowing a 15-point lead in the last quarter of Game 2. The Heat already had wasted a 14-point lead in this game when they went back ahead 81-75 with 6:31 left. They knew Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) would drive Dallas' rally, but he burned them anyway for 12 straight points six free throws, a layup, a dunk and a tough jumper.

But after Bosh's clutch shot, Nowitzki's streak ran out. He tried passing out of a double team and threw the ball away, then hit the back iron on a jumper at the buzzer.

'This is a total win,' said Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette), who led Miami with 29 points and 11 rebounds. 'You want to win the game on the defensive end of the floor and we got a stop.'

The Heat go into Game 4 on Tuesday night with a chance to do what they did in 2006: win it all on Dallas' floor. They'll need to win that game and the next, on Thursday night.

Bosh, a Dallas native who'd been 0-8 in his hometown, overcame a swollen left eyelid caused by a poke during the first quarter to scored 18 points. He had seven in the fourth quarter.

LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) added 17 points and nine assists. But he also had four turnovers, including a pair during the fourth quarter that helped bring Dallas back. Mario Chalmers added 12.

Udonis Haslem (6'8''-C-80, college: Florida) had only six points, but his tough defense on the final two possessions saved the Heat. When Nowitzki's final shot from the top of the key missed, Haslem swung his arms and screamed in delight.

Nowitzki finished with 34 points, but didn't get much help. Jason Terry scored 15 and Shawn Marion had 10, but both were shut out in the fourth quarter.

Wade was at his dynamic best from the start, looking like the guy who soared and scored the Heat past Dallas and to the title in '06.

Most of his baskets came in the paint where the Heat outscored the Mavs, 40-22 and many of them were spectacular. But he also stemmed Dallas' rally by hitting a go-ahead jumper over Jason Kidd (6'4''-G-73, college: California) for Miami's second-to-last basket.

James came in talking about being more aggressive, but wasn't. He went more than 6 minutes before taking his first shot, but certainly made it worth the wait a drive through the teeth of the defense for a powerful dunk. He also had a two-handed jam in the second half that put Miami up by 13.

The Heat just couldn't put the Mavs away. Dallas would surge close or ahead, then Miami would turn it up again. The final 18 minutes played out with both teams realizing any possession could change the game and the series.

Nothing came easy for anyone. Shots were contested, bodies collided for every rebound and guys were flying into the stands after loose balls. Fans stood throughout, wearing their blue gimme T-shirts and fired up by videos such as one featuring encouraging words from Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Nolan Ryan and others.

Yet it was the visitors from Miami who walked off celebrating.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra talked about wanting his guys to get back to their identity of being 'an aggressive, attacking team that tries to get into the paint, to the rim, to the free throw line.' They followed that scrit to a 14-point lead late in the second quarter, then fell into the same bad habits they showed at the end of Game 2, letting Dallas get within 47-42 at the break.

Maybe Miami players just got bored because things were coming so easily.

James and Wade seemed to get whatever shot they wanted, whenever they wanted. But they kept trying to get others involved. They especially force-fed Bosh, even though his left eye was swollen from an early, accidental poke by Jason Kidd; he missed 7 of 9 in the first half.

The Heat also made things tough on Nowitzki by keeping him from even getting the ball. He took only two shots in the first quarter. He didn't start getting free until Miami's lead grew and guys were less intense on defense.

Courtesy of www.heraldnews.com

Rambis has no clue what's going on with his job - by Eurobasket News
You ever hear how people talk about getting fired and how they 'never saw it coming?' As if there's something better about seeing your own demise coming from miles away and being helpless to stop it. Well, if you think that's true, check in with Kurt Rambis on how it's going.

Rambis has reportedly been on the way out for a while. But no one's told him anything. David Kahn hasn't told him either way. So barring a clear reason not to, Rambis showed up in Minnesota for the team's workouts of draft prospects. This despite not knowing if he'll be the one drafting a player or coaching him next season. Rambis elected to speak to reporters at the event, and it turns out that he has no clue about his job situation. which is nice. From The Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

It has been more than six weeks since the team's season ended and he still doesn't know if he'll be back as coach.

When asked if he thinks the situation is being handled appropriately, he said, 'It's not how I would handle it, no...I think everybody has reasons for why they conduct their business in the way they want to conduct their business. If you're asking me if that's what I'd do, no. That's not how I would handle things, but everybody's different.'

He said he and boss David Kahn have had 'minor conversations' since the season's end. He also said he expects they will have to have an in-depth conversation about the past season and the future but there's no plans to do that now.

Rambis also said 'I'm still the coach, until something happens.'

That's just a terrible situation to be in. Kahn should let him know either way. If the lockout is a factor, let him know that. If he wants a change, make it. But forcing someone to work under these conditions is just bad business. It's not how you manage people. It's not how you get the best from your organization. And it's not how you lead a team forward.

Then again, what else is new?

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.Ci.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 27.9

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.9
2. James, Miami Heat	26.4
3. Wade, Miami Heat	25.4
4. Rose, Chicago B.	25.4
5. Anthony, Denver N.	25.2
6. Bryant, LA Lakers	25.1
7. Stoudemire, New Y.	24.7
8. Ellis, Golde S.	24.1
9. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	24.1
10. Martin, Houston R.	23.5

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.2

1. Love, Minnesota T.	15.2
2. Howard, Orlando M.	14.2
3. Griffin, LA Clipp.	12.1
4. Randolph, Memph.	12.0
5. Bogut, Milwauke.	11.1
6. Humphries, New J.	10.4
7. Noah, Chicago B.	10.3
8. Camby, Portland TB	10.2
9. Gasol, LA Lakers	9.9
10. Lee, Golde S.	9.8

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.4
2. Rondo, Boston C.	11.0
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.9
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.7
5. Felton, New Y.	9.0
6. Calderon, Toron.	8.9
7. Wall, Washington W.	8.3
8. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.0
9. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.8
10. Rose, Chicago B.	7.7

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.3
2. Rondo, Boston C.	2.1
3. Ellis, Golde S.	2.1
4. Felton, New Y.	1.8
5. Wall, Washington W.	1.8
6. Westbrook, Oklah..	1.8
7. Allen, Memphis G.	1.8
8. Gay, Memphis G.	1.7
9. Conley, Memphis G.	1.7
10. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrew BOGUT
  Milwauke.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.6
2. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.5
3. McGee, Washingt.	2.4
4. Howard, Orlando M.	2.3
5. Milicic, Minnesota	2.0
6. Duncan, San A.	2.0
7. Stoudemire, New Y.	1.9
8. Jefferson, Utah J.	1.9
9. Bynum, LA Lakers	1.9
10. Jordan, LA Clippe.	1.8

Mike Woodson might be favorite to coach Pistons - by Eurobasket News
Changing coaches has become old hat for the Pistons, and that trend continued when John Kuester was dismissed Sunday, the first act of new owner Tom Gores.

Gores expressed his confidence Thursday in Pistons president Joe Dumars, who will be looking to hire his sixth coach since taking over in 2000. However, unlike when Dumars hired Rick Carlisle (2001) and Larry Brown (2003), the coaching field isn't as strong as in previous years.

With the draft looming, Dumars isn't setting a definitive timetable on his latest hire.

'As our organization moves forward and prepares for the future, the search for our club's new head coach is a priority and will begin immediately,' Dumars said in a statement.

'However, at this time, we do not have a timetable for hiring a successor. We'll conduct our due diligence privately and announce a decision when we've identified that individual.'
There are some interesting names, though, as most believe the Pistons will go for a more experienced head coach this time around, after the failures of Kuester and Michael Curry (2008-09).

Mike Woodson is probably the leading candidate at this point. Woodson was on Larry Brown's staff in 2003-04 when the Pistons won the NBA title, along with Kuester. Woodson went on to take over a young team in Atlanta and took the Hawks to the precipice of the elite.

More important than the Hawks' steady improvement, though, was the development and maturity of his players. Woodson took a talented but raw Josh Smith, drafted straight out of high school, and although the two had their moments, Smith matured into a productive, if not consistent player.

Woodson is respected around the league and most feel he got a raw deal when he was let go by Hawks management in 2010 after six seasons. He's respected because of his ability to command respect from a locker room.

With the Pistons' lack of defensive prowess this season (last in rebounding, opponent field-goal percentage and blocks), it's likely Dumars and Co. will look for a defensive-minded coach, which is why Kelvin Sampson may get some consideration.

Although Sampson doesn't have any NBA head coaching experience, he has coached at high-profile stops (Indiana, Oklahoma), along with being an assistant at Michigan State (1979-80). His defensive acumen is respected around the league and San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, owner of four NBA titles, is one of Sampson's biggest backers.

Cleveland reached out to Sampson last season after firing Mike Brown, and Sampson was an assistant in Milwaukee this season. He's said to be one of the dark-horse candidates for other coaching jobs around the league.

Most believe Sampson's straightforward persona, and ability to relate to players will get them to play hard for him.

'I like Woody but I like Sampson a little better,' a league executive said. 'He's excellent on both sides of the ball and a great communicator with difficult personalities.'

Isiah Thomas also could have a formal chat with Dumars. The former backcourt mates speak regularly, and during Thomas' last visit to The Palace, during Dennis Rodman's jersey retirement, he was in Dumars' suite.

Thomas' issues have been well-documented during his time in New York, although it should be noted the Knicks were a mess well before he set foot in Madison Square Garden. Thomas does have experience in developing young players during his time as an executive in Toronto and as head coach in Indiana.

While Thomas' interest level isn't known, he still feels a strong emotional bond with the team and the city of Detroit.

Bill Laimbeer, who spent this year on Minnesota's bench after leading the Detroit Shock to three WNBA titles, is expected to receive some consideration, as well. It's no secret he'd love a head coaching job, but it isn't known how likely it is the Pistons would be willing to take a chance on the former Bad Boy.

Other names such as ESPN/ABC's Mark Jackson, former Nets coach and now-Celtics assistant Lawrence Frank and former Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey have been thrown out by media outlets.

However, it's too early to tell which direction Dumars will go, particularly with the draft looming or the amount of influence Gores wants to exert.

After this year's tribulations, though, the Pistons likely will go with who they feel can be the best communicator to whatever type of roster is in place next season.

Who's next?

A few coaching candidates the Pistons might take a look at:

Mike Woodson : Former Pistons assistant, led the Hawks to three straight playoff appearances, the last in 2010, before he was fired. Commands respect around the league and from players; has experience developing young players.

Kelvin Sampson: Milwaukee Bucks assistant and former NCAA head coach at Indiana and Oklahoma. Noted as a strong defensive mind and he's spent time in San Antonio in an advisory role under head coach Gregg Popovich. Never been a head coach at the NBA level, however.

Isiah Thomas: Former Pistons great had varying degrees of success as a head coach in Indiana and New York. Still has a long-standing relationship with Pistons president Joe Dumars. In spite of his baggage, is noted for his eye for talent and developing young players Tracy McGrady among them.

Bill Laimbeer: Minnesota Timberwolves first-year assistant. Former Piston who led the Detroit Shock to three titles in the WNBA. No head coaching experience in the NBA.

Courtesy of http://detnews.com

After NBA Finals Game 3 win, LeBron James answers reporter question about shrinking in 4th quarters - by Eurobasket News
After the Miami Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks 88-86 on the road to take a 2-1 lead in the 2011 NBA Finals, Heat stars LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) did their usual shared post-game press conference. A somewhat challenging question was posed by a reporter to LeBron, who gave a pretty solid response. Heres how it went:

Reporter: LeBron, three games in a row for you, fourth quarter. Not much. Thats the moment superstars become superstars. Seems like youre almost shrinking from it. Whats going on?

LeBron James: I think you're concentrating on one side of the floor. And all youre looking at is the stat-sheet. Honestly, Im a two-way player. Tonight, D-Wade had it going offensively, so we allowed him to handle the ball. We allowed him to bring us home offensively. You [could] just watch the film again and see what I did defensively. And you ask me a better question tomorrow.

(LeBron then covered his mouth, possibly to hide some laughter.)

Wade was spectacular tonight and finished the game shooting 12-of-21 for 29 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. LeBron shot just 6-of-14 for a quiet 17 points, just three rebounds, but nine assists. And very good defense. The Mavericks shot just 40 percent in the loss. Mavs small forward Shawn Marion hit a mere 4-of-12 shots for 10 points and little else.

The basic premise of the question actually was legitimate in the opinion of InsideHoops.com, in that LeBron has not scored much in the fourth quarters of the three 2011 NBA Finals games that have been played so far.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Malone, Kuester to be Brown assistants again? - by Eurobasket News
John Kuester was fired as Detroit Pistons head coach Sunday, setting him free and positioning him to sign up as a Michael Brown assistant coach again with the Lakers.

Kuester and Michael Malone were assistant coaches under Brown in Cleveland, and both are strong candidates to follow Brown to the Lakers. Malone, currently Monty Williams lead assistant coach in New Orleans, is in line to be Browns lead Lakers assistant and in charge of the defense that Brown traditionally stresses - although he was expected to get at least a cursory look for the Golden State vacant head-coaching job, according to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com.

Malones name might be familiar to some Lakers fans from this season because it was Malone who was the initiator in showing the Hornets the Battle at Kruger YouTube video to convey how underdogs can win if they band together (in the case of the video, to save a stalked calf from a slew of lions) during the playoffs against the Lakers.

Williams had the Hornets watch the video, introduced to him by Malone, before Game 4 and the Hornets beat the Lakers in that game to forge a 2-2 tie in that first-round series; the Lakers won the last two games to take the series.

Kuester is also a former college teammate of Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak. Kuester played four seasons at the University of North Carolina for Dean Smith in 1973-77; Kupchaks last year there was 1976. Kuester was also a Detroit Pistons assistant coach when that team won the 2004 NBA Finals over the Lakers.

He was the subject of some notoriety this season when several veteran Pistons reportedly boycotted Kuester, who was in his second season as Pistons head coach, by not showing up at a February shoot-around.

Brown said at his introductory news conference that he also had interest in bringing in Ettore Messina, a noted Italian coach who is highly regarded in Europe, to help him. Tim Grgurich, an assistant coach renowned for his impact over the years on this league, was also named by Brown as one of his mentors and is a possibility to join Brown. Holdover Lakers assistant coach Chuck Person, whose work for the Pacers coincided somewhat with Browns stint as an assistant there, is also an option to stay on staff.

Courtesy of http://lakers.ocregister.com

Scott O'Neil, Glen Grunwald, Mark Warkentien are front-runners to run Knicks basketball operations - by Eurobasket News
Donnie Walsh's successor - actually, successors is more like it - may not even have to change offices.

The team of Scott O'Neil, Glen Grunwald and Mark Warkentien, all of whom are already employed by the Knicks, are the front-runners to run the basketball operation, the Daily News has learned.

Grunwald is an Isiah Thomas disciple and former general manager of the Toronto Raptors. He currently serves as the Knicks' senior VP of basketball operations and was named interim GM when Walsh announced on Friday that he was stepping down as Knicks president on June 30.

Grunwald is highly regarded by his peers around the NBA and within the Knicks organization, having served under both Thomas and Walsh. According to a source, his responsibilities would be to handle the day-to-day functions on the basketball side along with Warkentien, who was hired Jan. 30 as a consultant.

Grunwald and Warkentien would report directly to O'Neil, the president of Madison Square Garden, who began taking on a greater role with the Knicks' personnel moves dating back to last summer's free-agent recruitment of LeBron James and including February's celebrated trade for Carmelo Anthony.

In fact, it was O'Neil who was responsible for hiring Warkentien, a move made without Walsh's knowledge or blessing. O'Neil pushed Garden chairman James Dolan to add Warkentien because Warkentien is a former GM with the Denver Nuggets and had a good relationship with Anthony, whom the Knicks were pursuing at the time.

Moreover, Anthony and Warkentien are clients of the same agency, high-powered CAA, which also represents New Orleans point guard Chris Paul. Warkentien's contract runs through the end of the month.

Under the proposed arrangement, Allan Houston would continue to work in the front office, with the plan being for Dolan's all-time favorite Knick to eventually run the club at some point.

Walsh will remain with the club as a consultant through June 30, 2012, but he won't be directly involved in personnel decisions.

Isiah Thomas ' role is unclear, although it would appear that he will continue to serve as an unofficial adviser to Dolan and the Knicks. Dolan, who according to sources blamed Walsh for the Knicks' failure to sign James, feels that Thomas is a valuable asset when it comes to recruiting high-profile free agents.

Thomas' influence should not be underestimated. Three scouts that Thomas hired - Mark Hughes, Walker Russell and Rodney Heard - have remained employed by the Knicks since Thomas was replaced by Walsh in April of 2008. When Walsh made attempts to hire his own full-time scouts, including his long-time friend Mel Daniels, Dolan refused to sign off on the move.

It is unclear if O'Neil would be receptive to having input from Thomas. He may not have any choice since Dolan made it known last August in a press release that Thomas is his friend and that he will 'continue to solicit his views.'

Thomas has said publicly that he's not 'after Donnie Walsh's job,' but Thomas' close friends all say he wants a role of some kind in the organization. When Dolan asked Walsh to hire Thomas as his GM last August, Walsh threatened to quit before reluctantly agreeing to hire Thomas as a consultant. The move was voided by NBA commissioner David Stern, but Thomas still speaks regularly to Dolan even as he remains the coach at Florida International in Miami.

Thomas wants to rebuild his image and post-playing career by helping to rebuild the Knicks. That's why Dolan sent him to Ohio last July in a last-ditch effort to lure James to New York. Thomas played a minor role in landing Amar'e Stoudemire and Walsh thanked him for his involvement during Stoudemire's introductory press conference.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

Haywood questionable for Game 4 - by Eurobasket News
The Mavericks won't know about Brendan Haywood's (7'0''-C-79, college: N.Carolina) availability for Game 4 until Tuesday. He was scheduled to go for a second MRI on Monday afternoon and will find out more about his right hip flexor strain.

'It feels a lot better than yesterday, but I don't want to commit to anything,'' Haywood said after the Mavericks' practice. 'I was able to move at a little better clip, so we'll see how it feels. I've done some jogging, but not any full-out sprints.''

Haywood had an MRI on Friday and is hoping that the second exam will show improvement to the injury he suffered in the second half of Game 2. He missed Sunday's Game 3 and is questionable for Game 4.

Courtesy of http://basketball.realgm.com

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NCAA1

Energetic Chambers introduced as Penn State coach - by Eurobasket News
New Penn State coach Patrick Chambers has declared the dawn of a new era for hoops in Happy Valley.

The energetic Chambers was formally introduced Monday as the Nittany Lions' new leader, taking over two weeks after Ed DeChellis stepped down to become Navy's new coach.

A Philadelphia-area native, Chambers returns to his home state after a successful two-year run at Boston University. He took the Terriers to the NCAA tournament this spring, losing to Kansas in the second round.

He inherits a Penn State program that also went to the NCAAs this year, losing to Temple in the second round. But the Nittany Lions will be rebuilding again next season after losing DeChellis and four senior starters.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jack LEASURE
  Taranaki.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 23.3

1. Leasure, Taranaki.	23.3
2. Abercrombie, Waika.	20.8
3. Hudson, Manawatu.	20.7
4. Webster, Wellingt.	20.3
5. Smith, Waikato P.	19.4
6. Dora, Nelson G.	19.4
7. Pace, Bay Hawks	19.1
8. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	18.8
9. Polyblank, Southla.	18.7
10. Campbell, Taranak.	18.4

Rebounds Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Pledger, Waika.	11.4
2. Horvath, Manawatu.	11.4
3. Vukona, Nelson G.	10.5
4. Campbell, Taranaki.	10.5
5. Allred, OceanaGo.	10.3
6. Seay, Waikato P.	9.3
7. Johnson, Wellingt.	9.0
8. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	8.8
9. Dickens, Southlan.	8.7
10. Grizzard, Nelson	8.3

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Crowe, Waikato P.	6.9
2. Dickel, Southland	6.1
3. Tait, Wellington S.	5.8
4. Braswell, Southlan.	5.2
5. Martin, Auckland.	4.8
6. Kench, Manawatu J.	4.4
7. Smith, Waikato P.	3.8
8. Boucher, Auckland.	3.4
9. Jones, Nelson G.	3.2
10. O''Gallagher, Ocea.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Crowe, Waikato P.	2.6
2. Smith, Waikato P.	2.5
3. Seay, Waikato P.	2.3
4. Boucher, Auckland.	2.2
5. Kench, Manawatu J.	2.0
6. Dickel, Southland	1.8
7. Allen, Waikato P.	1.7
8. Braswell, Southlan.	1.6
9. Frank, Wellington	1.6
10. Vukona, Nelson G.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Pledger, Waika.	3.3
2. Allred, OceanaGo.	1.6
3. Seay, Waikato P.	1.5
4. Iti, Southland S.	1.3
5. Spicer, Southlan.	1.2
6. Campbell, Taranaki.	1.1
7. Anthony, Waika.	1.1
8. Vukona, Nelson G.	1.0
9. Brown, Auckland P.	1.0
10. Johnson, Wellingt.	0.9

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Bay Hawks		10-2
2. Wellington S.		9-2
3. Waikato P.		8-3
4. Manawatu J.		5-5
5. Nelson G.		4-5
6. Southland S.		4-5
7. Auckland P.		2-7
8. Taranaki MA		2-8
9. OceanaGold N.		2-9

Young's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
35-year old swingman Galen Young (201-F/G-75) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Bay Hawks and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 8.
He had a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds, while his team edged out Wellington S. (9-2) 100-99. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Bay Hawks to consolidate first place in the New Zealand league. Bay Hawks have a solid 9-2 record. Young just recently signed at Bay Hawks, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Galen Young averages this season 7.8ppg and 7.8rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Lance Allred (211-C-81, agency: SportsTalent) of OceanaGold N.. He is American center in his first season at OceanaGold N.. In the last game Allred recorded impressive double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. It was enough for OceanaGold N. to edge Taranaki MA (2-8) by 4 points 92-88. OceanaGold N.'s 8th position in the standings has not changed. 8 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories OceanaGold N. managed to get this year. Allred is one of the most experienced players at OceanaGold N. and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to swingman Duane Bailey (192-G/F-91) of Manawatu J. (#4). Bailey scored 18 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Manawatu J., leading his team to a 89-83 win against the lower-ranked OceanaGold N. (#8, 2-8). Manawatu J. needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 5 victories and 5 lost games. Bailey has a very solid season. In 10 games in New Zealand he scored 6.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Scott O'Gallagher (188-G-84) of OceanaGold N. - 28 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Jack Leasure (191-G-86) of Taranaki MA - 32 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Rod Grizzard (203-G-80) of Nelson G. - 20 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Mika Vukona (197-F-82) of Nelson G. - 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Marcus Campbell (214-C-82) of Taranaki MA - 24 points and 6 rebounds
9. Rod Grizzard (203-G-80) of Nelson G. - 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Scott O'Gallagher (188-G-84) of OceanaGold N. - 23 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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NORWAY

Denmark U18 edged Norway U18 for the third place - by Eurobasket News
Denmark U18-Norway U18 80:75

Denmark U18 edged Norway U18 for the third place at Nordic Cup 2011. The Danish side won the first three quarters to ensure the total 80:75 victory.
Denmark was the favorite of the game but could only take 19-18 after the first period. The Danish side added 22-19 in the second frame to enjoy 4-point halftime advantage. In the third period Denmark produced 21-14 and did not mind 18-24 from the opponents in the last frame.
Denmark made 49 rebounds versus 33 from Norway. The latter showed better percentage from the field, three-point line and free throw.
Kevin Larsen (201-F-93) stepped up with 26 points for the winners, while Rasmus Larsen (212-C-94) netted 19. Peter Moller (186-G-94) ended up with 12 points and Frederik Rungby (198-F-93) followed them with 8. Chris-Ebou Ndow (197-F/G-93) erupted with 30 points in the losing effort and Espen Fjaerestad (189-G-94) scored 12.

Denmark U18: Kevin Larsen 26, Rasmus Larsen 19, Peter Moller 12, Frederik Rungby 8
Norway U18: Chris-Ebou Ndow 30, Espen Fjaerestad 12, Sindre De Lange 10

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POLAND

Seid Hajric signs new contract with Anwil - by Eurobasket News
Seid Hajric (203-F-83) will stay with Anwil Wloclawek in the upcoming season. The 28-year-old forward inked 1+1 contract with Anwil. The Bosnian player started the previous season in Zrinjski Mostar in Bosnian D1. He averaged 15.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game in D1. In Balkan League Seid Hajric tallied 15.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per appearance. In January the forward joined Anwil. His stats read 4.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. Previously Seid Hajric had spells for Celik, Zadar, Sentjur, Anwil, Polpak Swiecie and Bosna Sarajevo. Seid Hajric participated at Slovenian League All-Star Game. He was also named into Bosnia and Herzegovina League All-Domestic Players Team in 2009.

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PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Bayamon		15-8
2. Guaynabo		14-9
3. Santurce		14-11
4. Arecibo		14-11
5. San German		13-9
6. Quebradillas		13-11
7. Humacao		11-13
8. Mayaguez		9-15
9. Coamo		9-16
10. Isabela		8-17

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 24.7

1. Vassallo, Guaynabo	24.7
2. Ramos, Quebradillas	23.8
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	21.7
4. Johnson, Humacao	21.4
5. Ayuso, Arecibo	20.1
6. Villegas, Coamo	19.5
7. Harris, San German	18.6
8. Romero, Mayaguez	18.6
9. Randolph, Isabela	16.9
10. Carmona, Mayaguez	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 13.1

1. Narvaez, Coamo	13.1
2. Randolph, Isabela	12.1
3. Harris, San German	11.9
4. Pruitt, Guaynabo	11.5
5. Ramos, Quebradillas	10.9
6. Lloreda, San G.	10.5
7. Rickert, Bayamon	9.8
8. Romero, Mayaguez	9.7
9. Sweetney, Santurce	9.3
10. Shannon, Bayamon	9.0

Assists Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	6.3
2. Brown, Quebradillas	5.9
3. Clemente, Humacao	4.9
4. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.8
5. Clinch, Isabela	4.5
6. Apodaca, Quebradil.	4.3
7. Vega, Coamo	4.2
8. Rivera, Mayaguez	4.1
9. Copeland, San G.	3.8
10. Berdiel, Humacao	3.8

Steals Per Game

Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Hinson, Isabela	1.9
2. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.6
3. Robinson, Mayaguez	1.6
4. Carmona, Mayaguez	1.5
5. Clinch, Isabela	1.5
6. Robinson, Humacao	1.5
7. Hodge, Santurce	1.4
8. Chaney, Santurce	1.4
9. Santiago, Santurce	1.4
10. Harris, San German	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Kleon PENN
  Humacao
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Penn, Humacao	2.7
2. Santiago, Arecibo	2.0
3. Traylor, Bayamon	2.0
4. Romero, Mayaguez	1.9
5. Sanchez, Santurce	1.9
6. Aubry, Arecibo	1.7
7. Lee, Bayamon	1.6
8. Randolph, Isabela	1.5
9. Robinson, Mayaguez	1.3
10. Harris, San German	1.3

Weekly BSN Team Rankings-Week 9 - by Eric de la Cruz
This is a weekly segment that will be published every Monday, where I will rank the 10 teams of the BSN based primarily on Point Differential and Strength of Schedule, while also considering home and away games, back to backs, injuries and missing players (there is always player turnover in the league, be it teams changing import players, college players arriving at the end of their semester or native players still playing in Europe). Commentary will be included on some teams.

In this week's ranking, Vaqueros de Bayamon reclaims the top spot, Atleticos de San German keeps climbing and Quebradillas Pirates keeps falling.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0ApWjwB4gj4zNdEZTLUg1MXNzblRkNDZNSHVqZGl4eWc&single=true&gid=23&range=a1%3Af11&output=html

Weekl BSN Team Rankings-Week 10 - by Eric de la Cruz
This is a weekly segment that will be published every Monday, where I will rank the 10 teams of the BSN based primarily on Point Differential and Strength of Schedule, while also considering home and away games, back to backs, injuries and missing players (there is always player turnover in the league, be it teams changing import players, college players arriving at the end of their semester or native players still playing in Europe). Commentary will be included on some teams.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0ApWjwB4gj4zNdEZTLUg1MXNzblRkNDZNSHVqZGl4eWc&single=true&gid=24&range=a1%3Af11&output=html

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ROMANIA

Dinamo Bucharest returns to Divizia A! - by Sebastian Umbrich
The most successful basketball club from Romania promoted after having won the promotion tournament held between the third and fifth of June 2011 in the Romanian Basketball Arena, Bucharest. The club is returning to the highest level of Romanian basketball after a one-year tenure in Divizia B.
The promotion tournament was one of the most exciting, given the fact that 3 other teams fought for the other place available for promotion. As Dinamo won all of their three matches, finishing with 6 points out of 6, CSS Giurgiu, BC MP Sport Timisoara and CSU Galati all won against each other, so in the end we had the following situation: CS Dinamo Bucuresti 3/0, CSS Giurgiu, Timba and Galati 1/2. A table in 3 has been made, and the 'winner' of a berth in the 2011-2012 Divizia A will be CSS Giurgiu, a team which benefited from Timisoara's defeat against no-chance CSU Galati. Romanian legend Razvan Popa (195-F-75) was one of the best players of the tournament, having scored 15 points at least in every match. It is worth mentioning that Dinamo has a very young team, but board members stated that some foreign players will be traded in, in order to survive in the first division.
On the other side, CSS Giurgiu's player, Alin Guta (195-F-78), claimed that after Giurgiu was beaten by Dinamo he lost his belief in a possible promotion, but he is very happy and excited about the upcoming duels against giants like Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) or Virgil Carutasu (204-C-76).
The teams who relegated from Divizia A were Politehnica Iasi and CSU Cuadripol SCM Brasov.

*****************************************************

SERBIA

Obradovic and Tepic end wonderful season with PAO - by Eurobasket News
Serbian coach Zeljko Obradovic and guard Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) defended the title in Greek championship. Their Panathinaikos grabbed 101-94 OT win against Olympiakos last night to end the Finals with almost perfect 3-1. It is the ninth straight trophy for the Greens in A1 and 13th in the last 14th years. It is the 11th title in Greece for the coach Obradovic and second for Tepic. Earlier this year, they also won the Euroleague title. On the other side, Serbian coach Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket) and players Milos Teodosic (195-G-87), Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) and Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) will have to wait for the next season to try to stop PAO's amazing winning streak. The Reds didnt end this season without the trophy as they won the Greek National Cup.

Finals, Game 4: Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 101-94 OT (3-1)
Nothing new in Greece as Panathinaikos won their ninth straight title. Game Four of the Playoff Finals ended just few minutes ago and PAO registered 101-94 OT win against Olympiakos. This is 13th title in the last 14 seasons for the Greens. They also celebrated in Euroleague this year, while the Greek National Cup belonged to Reds.
Olympiakos was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 23-22 charge of Panathinaikos, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 18-11. Panathinaikos made 33-of-38 free shots (86.8 percent) during the game. Panathinaikos outrebounded Olympiakos 36-23 including a 13-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. 33 personal fouls committed by Olympiakos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American center Mike Batiste fired a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Guard Nick Calathes chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists. International center Ioannis Bourousis produced a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks and international guard Vassilis Spanoulis added 18 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Panathinaikos was No.2 in regular season with 24-2 record (both defeats against Olympiakos). They eliminated Peristeri in the Quarterfinals (2-0) and PAOK in the Semis (3-0).

Olympiakos: V.Spanoulis 18+1reb+5ast, I.Bourousis 16+10reb+1ast, L.Mavrokefalides 12+3reb+2ast, P.Vasilopoulos 11, Y.Halperin 9+2ast, M.Teodosic 8+3ast
Panathinaikos: M.Batiste 22+11reb, A.Fotsis 22+1reb, N.Calathes 16+5reb+11ast, K.Kaimakoglou 11+3reb+1ast, D.Nicholas 9+2reb+4ast, R.Sato 9+5reb

Vladimir Micov leads Bennet Cantu to Italian league Finals - by Eurobasket News
Serbian forward Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) shined in the Italian Serie A Playoffs leading his team Bennet Cantu to the Finals. Cantu celebrated 62-74 road win against Armani Jeans Milano last night winning the series with almost perfect 3-1. Micov was the leading player in his team as he registered double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Micov reached valuation 22 and was the MVP of this meeting. Bennet Cantu will meet Montepaschi Siena in the Finals. Of course, Montepaschi is the defending champion and they were regular season champions as well.
Vladimir Micov appeared 37 times in SerieA this season averaging 10.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists. In EuroCup, he added 10.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 3 apg for 6 games. Bennet Cantu finished SerieA regular season as No.2 with 22-8 record. They also reached Italian Cup Finals earlier this year.

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SPAIN

Raul Lopez will join Bizkaia Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Raul Lopez (183-G-80) is set to join Bizkaia Bilbao in the next season. The 31-year-old guard is currently playing for Russian Khimky. He averaged 6.8 points, 2.6 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per Euroleague game this season. In VTB-League Raul Lopez tallied 5.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per appearance. In Russian PBL his stats read 5.3 points, 2.1 assists and 1.9 rebounds. Previously Raul Lopez had stints with Real Madrid, Girona, Utah Jazz and Joventut Badalona. The guard played for Spain at 2010 World Championship. He registered 2.0 points and 1.6 assists per game in Turkey. Raul Lopez played for the National Team since 2000. Raul Lopez will team up with Aaron Jackson (193-G-86, college: Duquesne) for Bizkaia Bilbao backcourt duet in the next season.

Alejandro Abrines joins the forces of Unicaja Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Alejandro Abrines (196-F/G-93) heads to Unicaja Malaga as the player signed a multi-year contract extension with the Euroleague team. The Spanish 1993-year born star will be in team's roster for the next season.
In 2010-2011 Alejandro Abrines joined CB Ins Oftamologico C Ricon (LEB Gold), played also at Unicaja II Malaga (EBA). He recorded 24 points at the Regular Season Round 3 when Melilla beat Clin.Rincon 84-83. Jason Detrick was a key player in this victory with 24 points. Clinicas Rincon got 24 points and 5 rebs from Alejandro Abrines.
In his last game for the team Clinicas Rincon was outscored on the road by La Laguna 97-78. The game was mostly controlled by La Laguna. Clinicas Rincon was better in fourth quarter 24-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. La Laguna made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. Alejandro Abrines ended up with 13 points in the losing effort.

Unicaja keeps Head Coach Chus Mateo - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja announced signing of one-year contract extension with their Head Coach Jesus Mateo. The 42-year-old specialist took over Unicaja in January this year. He worked in Unicaja as Assistant Coach on season 2007/08 and also from 2004 to 2006. In the meantime, Mateo spent two years with Fuenlabrada (AC) and one with CAI Zaragoza (HC). In the past, Mateo also worked as Assistant Coach of Real Madrid.
Unicaja finished the season as No.8 with 19-15 record. They failed in the Playoff Quarterfinals against Regal Barca 0-2. In Euroleague, Unicaja reached Top16 but registered only one victory in this phase. The team is looking to improve next season and they already made the first move by keeping the American scoring machine Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky). The 28-year-old guard joined the team during the season. He tallied 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in Euroleague. In Spanish ACB Gerald Fitch notched 15.0 points, 4.4 boards and 2.3 assists per appearance. The guard started the season in Aliaga Petkim in Turkey. His stats read 18.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in TBL. Previously Gerald Fitch played in Fuenlabrada, Antalya, Cantu, Galatasaray, Cibona, Khimik Yuzhny and Austin Toros. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Player of the Year back in 2009.

Gandia, Aurteneche Maquinaria, Santfeliuenc y Platja de Palma get Silver place - by Mariano Galindo
Gandia, Aurteneche Maquinaria, Santfeliuenc y Platja de Palma won the EBA Tournament and will play the next season in the Silver division. Gandia won Vic, Aurteneche made the same vs Festival Alfas, Santfeliuenc won ABP and Platja de Palma swept to Marin Peixegalego. Shay Miller has been the man of this play offs, with four amazing performances. Other important man in this month, Olasumbo Atoyebi (203-C/F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Elon), couldnt finish the season in a good way and in the last game with Peixegalego, only signed 4 points.

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SWEDEN

Denmark U16 shock the hosts to clinch bronze - by Eurobasket News
3rd place game
Sweden U16-Denmark U16 51:62

Denmark U16 shock the hosts to clinch bronze at he Nordic Cup 2011. The Danish side overcame Sweden 62:51 and enjoyed the third place at the tournament.
Sweden was the favorite of the game as the team finished the group with 3-1 record and unfortunately with the same record as Iceland and Finland could not make it to the Final. They started with 17-16 in the first period, but allowed the opponents to take the control of the game. Denmark needed 18-14 in the second frame to take 34:31 halftime advantage and then both teams nailed 11 points each in the third period for the same difference. In the last quarter Denmark erupted with 17-9 to seal the necessary win.
Both teams had 35 rebounds in the game, while Sweden dished out 9 assists versus 4. Denmark however made more steals in the game (13/9) and had a better percentage from the free throw line. Rasmus Hansen (203-C/F-95) led the way with 27 points and Andreas Hoier (200-C-95) delivered 13. Rasmus Hansen responded with 27 points in the losing effort, whilst Andreas Hoier scored 13.

Sweden U16: Dzenis Sogolj (202-F-95) 16, Walter Lindstrom (G-95) 13, Eduardo Mondolfi (196-F-95) 9
Denmark U16: Rasmus Hansen 27, Andreas Hoier 13

Sweden U18 won the Nordic Cup 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U18-Iceland U18 93:65

Sweden U18 won the Nordic Cup 2011 as the hosts dominated their age group in Solna. Finishing the Robin Round with 4 victories the Swedish side added 93:65 win over Iceland in the Final.
Iceland surprised the hosts in the opening quarter taking 19-17 at the end of it. Sweden however deserved the win more and proved their superiority in three other quarters. They finished the half with 24-14 in the second period and then won the third and the last periods. Sweden needed 29-12 in the third frame and ensured the bigger win due to 23-20 in the last stanza.
Sweden outrebounded the opponents 49/24 and they also made more assists in the game (18/10).
Marcus Eriksson (196-G/F-93) top-scored for the winners with 26 points, while Tobias Borg (183-G-93), Niklas Larsson (196-G/F-94) and Nicholas Spires (210-C/F-94) had 12 points each. Matthias Orri Matthias Sigurdarsson (176-G-94) replied with 20 points in the losing effort and Valur Orri Valur Valsson (181-G-94) netted 13.

Sweden U18: Marcus Eriksson 26, Tobias Borg 12, Niklas Larsson 12, Nicholas Spires 12+13 rebs
Iceland U18: Matthias Sigurdarsson 20, Valur Valsson 13

Jesper Andersson joins Sodertalje - by Eurobasket News
Sodertalje strengthened their froncourt. The Kings have agreed on terms of contract with Jesper Andersson (202-F-86). The 24-year-old forward started the previous season in Eco Orebro. He averaged 14.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. In March Jesper Andersson moved to Uppsala Basket. His stats read 11.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per Basketligan appearance. Jesper Andersson participated at Basketligan All-Star Game this season. The forward had stints with Norrkoping, Talje and Helsinborg before joining Orebro. In 2006 Jesper Andersson played for the Swedish U20 selection. He was BasketEttan champion in 2007 together with Talje BK.

Uppsala tab Johan Jeansson - by Eurobasket News
Uppsala have bolstered their backcourt. They have agreed on terms of contract with Johan Jeansson (197-G-85). The deal is meant for two season. The 25-year-old guard spent the last two season with the Sundsvall Dragons. Last season Johan Jeansson averaged 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per appearance. The guard was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Most Improved Player of the Year in 2011. Johan Jeansson played for the Swedish National Team back in 2004/06 seasons.

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SWITZERLAND

Coach Danijel Eric stays with Starwings - by Eurobasket News
Starwings Basket Regio Basel announced signing of 1-year contract extension with their Head Coach Danijel Eric. He started to work with the club two years ago as an Assistant Coach. Last summer, Eric got promotion and was named Head Coach of the team. Starwings finished regular season as No.6 with 13-14 record and they reached Playoff Quarterfinals. There, Geneve Lions eliminated them with 1-3. In 2009/10, Starwings won the Swiss Cup title. They also played in the LNA Semis that year. Before Starwings, Danijel Eric spent two years as a Head Coach of Luzern. Starwings will compete in LNA next season as well. They will try to improve on results which they made this year.

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SYRIA

Syrian National Team 2011 for WABA ... - by Tarek Burhan
From Jalaa Club : Michel Maadanly (195-G-81) , Rami Merjaneh (183-G-83) , Ioanis Deeb (180-G-86) , Ahmad Ishak (194-F-86) , Marcelo Correa (208-C-77, college: San Diego St.) ...
From Jeish Club : Ramy El Khatib (182-G-84) , Watche Nalabandian , Al Hakam Abdallah (197-F-82) ...
From Wehda Club : Rabea Hachem (188-G-88) , Hani Dreby ...
From Ittihad Club : Wael Jlilati (194-G/F-88) ..
Head Coach : Mensur Bajramovic
Assitant Coach : Mohammad Abo-Seida
Manager : Riad Kahef

The nationl Team will go to Tukery for summer camp before WABA champion at 20th June in Iraq

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TURKEY

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Ali KARADENIZ
  Trabzons.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 23

1. Karadeniz, Trabzon.	23.0
2. Kambala, Aliaga	20.2
3. Buckman, Antalya	19.6
4. Henderson, Antalya	19.1
5. Smith, Karsiyaka	18.8
6. Seibutis, Olin Edi.	18.7
7. Kemp, Besiktas	17.9
8. Randle, Aliaga	17.5
9. Mays, Oyak Renault	17.2
10. Scales, Mersin	17.2

Rebounds Per Game

Nedim YUCEL
  Mersin
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Yucel, Mersin	11.3
2. Thomas, Erdemir	10.2
3. Wesson, Turk T.	9.2
4. Buckman, Antalya	9.0
5. Mays, Oyak Renault	9.0
6. Ffriend, Bornova	8.7
7. Samardjiski, Olin	8.5
8. Smith, Bornova	7.9
9. Smith, Karsiyaka	7.8
10. Karadeniz, Trabzo.	7.6

Assists Per Game

Baris ERMIS
  Banvit
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Ermis, Banvit	6.1
2. Holston, Karsiyaka	6.0
3. Conroy, Oyak R.	5.9
4. Rasic, Trabzonspor	5.3
5. Chatman, Besiktas	5.1
6. Henderson, Antalya	4.7
7. Rowe, Tofas	4.6
8. Acik, Galatasaray	4.3
9. Tunceri, Efes Pils.	4.3
10. Ukic, Fener.Ulker	4.3

Steals Per Game

David HOLSTON
  Karsiyaka
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Holston, Karsiyaka	2.2
2. Grier, Mersin	2.2
3. Mays, Oyak Renault	2.2
4. Waller, Oyak Renau.	2.1
5. Smith, Karsiyaka	1.9
6. Prince, Antalya	1.9
7. Grundy, Mersin	1.7
8. Guler, Antalya	1.6
9. Chatman, Besiktas	1.6
10. Rowe, Tofas	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Gregory STIEMSMA
  Turk T.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Stiemsma, Turk T.	1.8
2. Samardjiski, Olin	1.5
3. Francis, Bornova	1.3
4. Johnson, Erdemir	1.3
5. Ogilvy, Besiktas	1.1
6. Mays, Oyak Renault	1.0
7. Ruzic, Tofas	0.9
8. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	0.9
9. Davis, Banvit	0.9
10. Simpsons, Turk T.	0.8

Fenerbahce Ulker jumps to 2-0 in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
TBL Finals, Game 2: Fenerbahce Ulker - Galatasaray 95-74 (2-0)

Fenerbahce Ulker cruised past Galatasaray once again winning the Game Two 95-74. It means that the defending champion jumped to 2-0 lead in the Finals (best-of-seven). Third game is scheduled for Thursday and Galatasaray will be the host.
Fenerbahce Ulker made 17-of-18 free shots (94.4 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Fenerbahce Ulker especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 58.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was Croatian guard Roko-Leni Ukic (195-84) who scored 15 points and 6 assists. Lithuanian center Darjus Lavrinovic (212-79) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Jerry Johnson (183-82, college: Rider, agency: Beo Basket) produced 21 points and 4 assists and his fellow American import guard Preston Shumpert (198-79, college: Syracuse) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Galatasaray players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.

Top scorers:
Fener.Ulker: M.Tomas 18+2ast, D.Lavrinovic 18+6reb, R.Ukic 15+3reb+6ast, S.Jasikevicius 10+1ast, S.May 8+5reb+1ast, E.Preldzic 8+7reb+5ast
Galatasaray: J.Johnson 21+1reb+4ast, P.Shumpert 16+5reb, E.Kurtoglu 10+6reb+3ast, H.Yildirim 10+2reb+2ast, L.Andric 6+5reb+1ast, J.Shipp 4+2reb+2ast

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UKRAINE

BC Kyiv add Artem Shvets - by Eurobasket News
BC Kyiv signed a deal with Artem Shvets (203-G/F-85). The contract is meant for three seasons. The 26-year-old forward spent the previous season in BC Odessa. He averaged 7.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Artem Shvets is not new to BC Kyiv. He played for the team in 2009/10 season posting 7.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per appearance and in 2003/07 seasons. Artem Shvets also had stints with Politekhnika Lviv and Dnipro. The forward played for Ukrainian National Team in 2006/10 seasons.
BC Kyiv also secured the services of Denis Noskov (200-F-90) and Ivan Polyezhayev (205-C-89) for the next season. Denis Noskov played for Azovmash farm team. He averaged 15.4 points, 6.4 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game last season. Ivan Polyezhayev played for Budivelnyk farm team. His stats read 14.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists per appearance.

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

SEABL Week 9 results - by Eurobasket News
FRIDAY 3rd JUNE

HOBART 71 (Ross 23, Donkin 16)

Lost to

ALBURY/WODONGA 72 (Duck 21, Wallbutton 19)

The lead changed numerous times throughout the match. Albury/Wodonga led by 2pts with a quarter to go, but the Lady Chargers never gave up and tied the ball game with 40secs to go. Bandits import Land scored on the next basket to put them up, but Hobart import Shantrell Moss was fouled with 11secs to go and had the opportunity to level the score again but made only one foul shot.

MVP Alex Duck (170-G-90, college: Murray St.) (Albury/Wodonga)

SATURDAY 4th JUNE

KNOX 87 (Denson 27, Graham 12, Parsons 12)

def

BRISBANE 74 (Smith 28, Camino 22)

Brisbane started the game well but the Raiders grabbed the lead five minutes into the first quarter and increased their lead throughout the remainder of the match. The Lady Spartans came back late in the second term, but Amy Denson (186-F-84, college: Arizona St.) scored 9pts in the third to guide her team to victory.

MVP Amy Denson (Knox)

GEELONG 58 (Smith 17, Teague 11)

Lost to

KILSYTH 67 (Bishop 25, Afeaki 18)

With her team tied 28-28 at half time Lady Cobras Abby Bishop (189-C-88) scored 16 of her game high 25pts in the second half to guide Kilsyth to victory. Kilsyth started the second half the better team as they outscored the Supercats 26-15 in the third term to establish a comfortable lead which they held for the remainder of the match.

MVP Abby Bishop (Kilsyth)

FRANKSTON 75 (McKenzie 24, Cotta 17)

def

SANDRINGHAM 71 (Harrington 30, Cocks 15)

Frankston only led for 5mins of the game, and led for the first time with 6mins remaining in the last term. Sabres guard Kerryn Harrington (171-G-92) was outstanding scoring 19pts in the first quarter to help the Sabres establish a five point lead. The Sabres offence dried up in the fourth quarter and Frankston took full advantage as Jeffers and McKenzie dominated.

MVP Kerryn Harrington (Sandringham)

BALLARAT 44 (McMahon 12, Kerr 10)

Lost to

DANDENONG 76 (Penaluna 27, Cumming 10)

Dandenong produced a stellar start, with a 22-6 lead within 7mins of the game. Ballarat coach Donna Rinaldi called a time-out to try and put a stop to the Rangers shooting but Ballarat's poor shooting percentage of 28% let them down the whole game. Elyse Penaluna (193-C-88) was the stand out player of the match with a high of 27 points, 16 of them coming in the first half as Ballarat struggled with her inside presence...

MVP Elyse Penaluna (Dandenong)

LAUNCESTON 48 (Newley 16, Hunt 11)

Lost to

ALBURY/WODONGA 62 (Duck 20, Wallbuton 19)

The Lady Bandits big three (Duck, Wallbutton & Land) produced 49 of their teams 62pts to guide them to a win, and secure a 2-0 tassie road trip for the first time in the clubs history. Albury/Wodonga led for the entire match and were in full control after a dominating 12-5 in the first five mins.

MVP Lisa Wallbutton (Albury/Wodonga)

SUNDAY 5th JUNE

KILSYTH 62 (Bishop 23, Afeaki 13)

Lost to

BENDIGO 67 (K Wilson 15, Edmondson 13)

On paper the two teams are evenly matched, and thats exactly how the game went. The lead changed 11 times throughout the match and the Lady Braves won the game from the foul line as Kilsyth were forced to foul at every opportunity late in the game to stop the clock.

MVP Abby Bishop (Kilsyth)

NUNAWADING 63 (Kunek 18, Brentnal 17)

def

BRISBANE 58 (Pryor 25, Smith 14)

Brisbane played hard and were led superbly by Rachel Pryor (184-F-89). The Spartans led for 33mins of the game but were overtaken in the fourth term as tiredness started to creep into their game. Poor shooting and costly turnovers late in the game enabled the Spectres to grab a stranglehold on the game as Brisbane could only score 8pts in the final term.

MVP Rachel Pryor (Brisbane)

SANDRINGHAM 49 (Cocks 13, Ardossi 11)

Lost to

DANDENONG 82 (Cumming 22, Todhunter 16)

After a disappointing loss the previous night the Sabres were no match for the second placed Rangers. Dandenong produced a solid team game shooting 42% from the field and recording 18 assists.

MVP Stephanie Cumming (178-G-90)
Courtesy of: www.seabl.com.au

Knox outshine Lady Spartans - by Eurobasket News
The Knox Raiders maintained their undefeated record at home with a dominant display against the struggling Brisbane Lady Spartans on Saturday night.

Knox brought their best in front of a sea of pink, as all proceeds from the night went to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The first quarter started at break neck speed, as both teams found early offensive rhythm and defence taking a back seat.

Brisbanes inside/ outside combination of Renae Camino (177-G-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Holly Smith (186-F/C-86) went head-to-head with Knoxs duo of Sarah Parsons and Amy Denson in what would prove to be pivotal match-ups for the night.

However, with the home team controlling the glass early, the Raiders ran out to a nine-point lead at quarter time, 30-21.

The second quarter again saw Smith and Camino carry the Lady Spartans at the offensive end.

Smiths size allowed her to seal the smaller Denson at will, while two timely threes from Camino briefly gave Brisbane the lead midway through the quarter.

After a time-out from Raiders coach Heath Anderson, Knox shifted into a zone defence that subsequently suffocated Brisbanes scorers. The change saw Knox finish the quarter strongly, going into the main change up 51-45.

Behind three swift post moves by Denson, the Raiders opened the third stanza well, and it was only the hot shooting by Holly Smith and Camino that kept the Lady Spartans in the match.

However, Knoxs persistent defensive intensity forced Brisbane into six turnovers for the quarter, and the Lady Spartans struggled to find avenues to the basket.

A baseline runner from Knox reserve Emily Fryters (188-F/C-82) as time expired in the quarter lifted the crowd and stretched the margin to 12 heading into the fourth.

Brisbanes frustration began to show over the final term as Knox slowed the game down.

Lady Spartans head coach Nikki Bairstow picked up a technical foul midway through the term, before a couple of tough lay ups by the Raiders Sarah Graham sealed an 87-74 win for the home team.

Knox now travel up the Hume to take on a streaking Bendigo Braves, with a tantalising match-up between Championships two leading scorers Amy Denson and Bendigos Kelly Wilson.

Brisbane look to get back on track back at Carina against Frankston.

Final score

Knox 87 Denson (27 points, 10 rebounds), Parsons (12 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists)

defeated

Brisbane 74 Smith (28 points, 14-18 FGM-A, 7 rebounds), Camino (22 points, 3-7 3PM-A)
Courtesy of: www.seabl.com.au
By Patrick Lucas, SEABL Freelancer

Australian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket

Australian National Team 2011

Bishop

Cumming

Flanagan

Francis

Harrower

Abby Bishop

189-C-88

Kilsyth C. Australia

Stephanie Cumming

178-G-90

Dandenong R. Australia

Rachael Flanagan

170-G-82

Townsville F. Australia

Cayla Francis

192-C-89

Cairns D.

Kristi Harrower

166-G-75

Bendigo S. Australia

Nicole Hunt

167-G-88

Canberra C. Australia

Natalie Hurst

163-G-83

Gladstone PCP Australia

Rachel Jarry

185-G-91

Minnesota L. USA

Tess Madgen

180-G/F-90

Sturt S.

Kathleen Macleod

167-G-86

Dandenong R. Australia

Elyse Penaluna

193-C-88

Aix-en-Provence France

Alicia Poto

166-G-78

Lattes Montp. France

Jennifer Screen

180-G-82

Umana Reyer Italy

Laura Summerton

191-C-83

Bracco Geas Italy

Marianna Tolo

196-C-89

Canberra C. Australia

Kristen Veal

176-G-81

Logan T.

Carly Wilson

181-G-82

Canberra C. Australia

Hanna Zavecz

182-F/G-85

MKB Eurol. Hungary

Jane Stirling

Head Coach

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BRAZIL - Women

USA holf off Brazil in Orlando - by Eurobasket News
USA U19 - Brazil U19 49:37

USA U19 claimed a confident win over their Brazilian counterparts in the exhibition game in Orlando, Florida. Elizabeth Williams (6'3''-C-93) knocked down 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead the USA to the victory in this low-scoring affair.
The first quarter with a tough battle with neither side able to dominate. The teams were tied at 7 after ten minutes of action. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the second period before the hosts built a 23:18 advantage into the big break. The USA gradually boosted the margin to 7 points. Brazil fought bravely but could not get any closer in the reminder of the contest as the USA avenged the loss one day before. Breanna Stewart (6'3''-F-94) nailed 11 points and pulled down 7 rebounds, while Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (6'0''-F/G-93) contributed 9 points in the winning effort. Tassia de Souza (5'10''-G-92) accounted for 16 points for Brazil. Damiris Dantas do Amaral (6'4''-C-92) finished with 6 points, 9 rebounds in the loss.

USA U19: Elizabeth Williams 15, Breanna Stewart 11, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis 9
Brazil U19: Tassia de Souza 16, Damiris Dantas do Amaral 6

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CANADA - Women

Global big man/tall lady development camp to be hosted by Olympia Sports Camp - by Eurobasket News
Olympia Sports Camp is excited to introduce a unique opportunity for tall basketball players across Canada in the form of its Big Man/Tall Lady camp. The two camps will run separately with the Tall Lady camp running from July 24 30 and the Big Man camp on August 21 27 in Huntsville, Ontario. Olympia has over 35 years of sports experience and a rich history of basketball development, making it a natural fit for Canada Basketball to endorse the Big Man and Tall Lady camps.

Olympia, in association with Ontario Basketball and Canada Basketball, has developed an exclusive curriculum to develop boys and girls at a critical stage of their growth. The camp is targeted towards girls who are 13-17 and are taller than 511. On the other side, the camp is targeted for boys aged 14-17, who are 65 or taller.

These camps are the premiere development opportunities for todays bigger athletes. With the help of experienced coaches, athletes will learn how to dominate the boards, outlet the ball with precision, score from the post and perimeter, manage the ball in open court and play great help and recover defence.

The developing Big Man/Tall Lady is often late in skill and athletic development. Following curriculum developed by Canada Basketball, Olympia will bring everything back to the basics and focus on a high degree of skill development, which is essential during these formative years. The coaches are experienced and willing to be patient in order to build confidence with the players to give them a chance to develop. The camp will use video extensively for self-analysis and 'best practices.'

An example of a big man, who blossomed late in his career, is 69 centre for the Canadian Senior Mens National Team and Miami Heat (NBA), Joel Anthony. Anthony did not start playing basketball until the age of 16 and played sparingly at Dawson College in Quebec. His hard work eventually landed him at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas; where he would go on to win back-to-back conference Defensive Player of the Year honours. He was undrafted, but signed as a free agent with the NBAs Miami Heat in 2007, where he currently plays today.

Players and coaches that Olympia has helped develop in the past consist of an impressive list including Leo Rautins and Jay Triano, who both participated in the first Olympia basketball camp in 1974. Other former and present National Team members who Olympia has trained include Sue Stewart, Nana Robinson, Jesse Young and several members from the Cadet and Junior Mens Teams that won bronze at the 2010 U17 FIBA World Championships and the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship.

The camp features an impressive lineup of coaches from across North America.

GENE BANKS
Director of Big Man Camp
Banks is an Assistant Coach for the Washington Wizards and is responsible for their player development: power forwards and centres.
He played in the NBA for San Antonio and Chicago and played professionally in Europe for over 10 seasons.
He was an All-American at Duke University.
He has been a special guest instructor with Olympia Sports Camp for over 25 years and understands todays Big Man and knows how to develop their skills.

CAMERON HALL
Co-ordinator of Big Man/Tall Lady Program
Hall played at Duke University and on Canadas Olympic basketball team.
He provides program leadership through properly blending the Olympia camp experience with Canada Basketball's athlete development models.

CHRISTINE STAPLETON
Director of Tall Lady Camp
Stepleton won back-to-back CIS National Championships as a player with Laurentian.
She was Head Coach of the CIS National Champions, University of Regina Cougars (2001).
She was on the Canadian Womens Junior National Team (2003 -2009) and National Elite Development Academy (2007-2009).
Currently Associate Director of Athletics, University of Waterloo.

Mistie Bass-Williams (191-C-83, college: Duke)
Tall Lady Camp
Bass graduated from Duke University in 2006, where she competed in two Final Four in 2003 & 2006.
She was the 21st selected in the 2006 WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury. She spent time with the Houston Comets and has played the last two seasons with the Chicago sky.
For the past 5 season, she has played professionally in Europe, with such teams as Jerusalem (Israel), Mersin (Turkey) and Raanana (Israel) during the WNBA off-season.

Along with this impressive group of coaches, Olympia Sports Camp also boasts an exceptional lineup of confirmed special guest coaches who will be present at various sessions throughout the summer, which includes John Wall, Andray Blatche, Trevor Booker and JaVale McGee of the Washington Wizards. Also included in this years event are former New York Knick and Toronto Raptor, Charles Oakley and former assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors and current player scout for the New York Knicks, Walker D. Russell. These respected members of the basketball community bring global skills to the camp, which will make for a valuable player experience.

Special guest coaches that have visited the camp in the past include DeMar DeRozan, Sonny Weems and Alvin Williams of the Toronto Raptors, and former NBA greats Herb Williams, Steve Alford, and Rick Mahorn.

The camp will have a set itinerary for each day with an on-court emphasis for 5-6 hours per day.

Individual movement: balance, strength and footwork.
Scoring from the post, perimeter and in transition: form, footwork and power.
Scoring (positioning and movement) in a 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 environment.
Rebounding angles and intensity, plus delivering the outlet.
Open court: passing, catching and dribbling at game speed.
Defence: influence, close out, help and recover, block out, rebound.
Scrimmages and game time.

Olympia Sports Camp will be hosting the Tall Lady camp on July 2430 and the Big Man camp on Aug. 2127 in Huntsville. For more information, please visit http://www.olympiasportscamp.com.

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

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DENMARK - Women

Denmark U16 clinched the third place - by Eurobasket News
Denmark U16 clinched the third place at Nordic Cup 2011. In the last game of the tournament the team overcame Norway U16 71:43. The favorites of the game started with 13-6 and then won the third and the last periods. Frederikke Mollerup (95) paced all the winners with 18 points, while Sofie Tryggedsson delivered 14. Maja Foleide (F) collected 14 points and 17 rebounds in the losing effort, while Stine Karlstad (G) posted 7.
Before that Sweden U16 rolled over Denmark U16 53:48 to win the group with 4-0 record. Trailing 6-12 after the first period, Sweden won the third quarter 23-18 and then added 11-5 in the last frame. Regan Magarity top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 13 rebounds, whilst Emma Eriksson (169-G-90) and Julia Paulin netted 8 apiece. Frederikke Mollerup answered with 13 points and 13 boards in defeat.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game

Doneeka HODGES
  USA
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 19.5

1. Hodges, BUL	19.5
2. Bar, GER	17.3
3. Breitreiner, GER	16.7
4. Marginean, ROM	15.7
5. Milovanovic, SRB	15.0
6. Tuukkanen, FIN	15.0
7. Fegyverneky, HUN	14.7
8. Meesseman, BEL	14.0
9. Beld, NED	14.0
10. Zherzherunov., UKR	13.0

Rebounds Per Game

Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Bar, GER	10.3
2. Meesseman, BEL	9.5
3. Ress, ITA	9.5
4. Masciadri, ITA	9.0
5. Tuukkanen, FIN	8.0
6. Zherzherunov., UKR	7.5
7. Hendrickx, BEL	7.5
8. Szecsi, HUN	7.3
9. Maksimovic, SRB	7.0
10. Austmann, GER	6.0

Assists Per Game

Katalin HONTI
  HUN
  (175-G-87)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Honti, HUN	4.3
2. Zara, ITA	3.5
3. Zlatanova, BUL	3.0
4. Fegyverneky, HUN	3.0
5. Richter, GER	2.7
6. Pop, ROM	2.7
7. Bar, GER	2.7
8. Dubuc, BEL	2.5
9. Sottana, ITA	2.5
10. Dimitrova, BUL	2.5

Steals Per Game

Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Bar, GER	3.3
2. Honti, HUN	3.0
3. Szecsi, HUN	2.7
4. Peteva, BUL	2.5
5. Knezevic, SRB	2.5
6. Breitreiner, GER	2.3
7. Delaere, BEL	2.0
8. Krivacevic, HUN	2.0
9. Marginean, ROM	2.0
10. Stoenescu, ROM	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Gabriela MARGINEAN
  ROM
  (185-F-87)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Marginean, ROM	1.3
2. Vajda, HUN	1.3
3. Alyoshkina, UKR	1.0
4. Austmann, GER	1.0
5. Halman, NED	1.0
6. Pascalau, ROM	0.7
7. Tuukkanen, FIN	0.7
8. Richter, GER	0.7
9. Pavel, ROM	0.7
10. Khomenchuk, UKR	0.5

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FINLAND - Women

Zahui leads Sweden U18 to the title - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U18-Finland U18 69:67

Zahui leads Sweden U18 to the title at the Nordic Cup 2011. The hosts of the tournament overcame Finland U18 69:67 as Amanda Zahui (191-C-93) was unstoppable with 35 points and 16 rebounds.
Sweden opened the game with 22-18 and managed to take 5-point halftime advantage. The guests were too far to give up and responded with 18-16 in the third frame. In the last quarter both teams had a chance to win, but the hosts deserved the win more and won all five games of the tournament.
Sweden outrebounded Finland 49-35 and made more Assists than the opponents (16-7). The latter however showed a better percentage from the perimeter and from the free throw line.
Ellen Nystrom (180-G-93) nailed 10 points for the winners and Josefin Vesterberg (187-F-93) netted 7. Anette Juvonen (170-G-93) ended up with 24 points in the losing case, while Annika Holopainen (186-F/C-93) posted 15.

Sweden U18: Amanda Zahui 35+16 rebs, Ellen Nystrom 10, Josefin Vesterberg 7
Finland U18: Anette Juvonen 24, Annika Holopainen 15

Finland U16 take the Nordic Cup Gold - by Eurobasket News
Finland U16 take the Nordic Cup Gold as the team won the Final game over Sweden U16. The guests of the tournament grabbed valuable 47:42 win to triumph in Solna. Sweden started with 14-9, but Finland replied with 10-8 in the second frame. Moreover the Finnish side won the third and the last periods to seal the victory. Anniina Aijanen (186-F/C-95) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Anni Jamsa (164-G-95) netted 12. Regan Magarity collected 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in defeat.
Before that Finland U16 needed 84:70 win over Iceland U16 to finish the group with 3-1 record. The latter remained winless at the tournament. Anniina Aijanen paced all the winners with 15 points and Anni Jamsa nailed 14. Sara Hinriksdottir replied with 12 points in the losing effort.

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FRANCE - Women

Anita Meszaros moves to Voiron - by Eurobasket News
Etoile de Voiron ensured a serious roster strengthening for the next season. The LF2 team agreed on terms of contract with Romanian international Anita Meszaros (190-C-88). The 22-year-old centre played for ICIM Arad. Last season Anita Meszaros averaged 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in D1. Anita Meszaros is the member of Romanian National Team.

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HOLLAND - Women

Codigalco Carmelitas add Maaike Klein - by Eurobasket News
Codigalco Carmelitas add Maaike Klein (177-G-90) for the upcoming season. The Dutch International arrives from Slovenia where she played the last season.
In 2010-2011 Maaike Klein joined ZKK Merkur Celje (Slovenia-SKL) and in Adriatic League after 19 games averaged 6.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 75.0%. In Slovenian League her stats read 7.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 76.3%.
The National team member became Slovenian Cup Finalist -11, reached Adriatic League Semifinals -11, Slovenian SKL Regular Season Runner-Up -11, Slovenian SKL Finalist -11 and Eurobasket.com Slovenian League All-Imports Team -11.
For the National team last night Maaike Klein and her Holland registered first victory in Sopron. They outsmarted Finland 83-80 for 1-1 record in Group A (EuroBasket 2011 AQT). Maaike Klein was perfect from the filed making 1/1 and scored 2 points.

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ICELAND - Women

Iceland U16 finishes without victories - by Eurobasket News
Iceland U16 finishes without victories the Nordic Cup 2011. In one of the most interesting games Norway needed 86:80 overtime win over Iceland. The latter opened the game with 28-21 and even improved to 9-point lead at the halftime. Norway first reduced to 5 points at the end of the third period and then tied the game at the end of the fourth period due to 19-14 in the fourth frame. In overtime Norway celebrated the win after 12-6 in it. Maja Foleide (F) led the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Kristine Lindholm scored 20. Hallveig Jonsdottir delivered 14 points for the team from Iceland.
Finland U16 needed 84:70 win over Iceland U16 to finish the group with 3-1 record. The latter remained winless at the tournament. Anniina Aijanen paced all the winners with 15 points and Anni Jamsa (164-G-95) nailed 14. Sara Hinriksdottir replied with 12 points in the losing effort.

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ITALY - Women

CUS Sandalia Cagliari brings in Barbora Fabianova - by Eurobasket News
CUS Sandalia Cagliari announced signing of Barbora Fabianova (182-F-82, agency: LBM Management, college: Youngstown St.) to a one-year deal. The Slovakian forward is not a new face in Italy as she spent last season with Le Mura Lucca. CUS Cagliari won the promotion from A2 and will compete in Serie A1 next season. Fabianova was the Italian A2 South Champion with Lucca.
Before Lucca, Barbora Fabianova split 2009/10 season between Pabellon Ourense and Solna Vikings. With the Vikings she had 8 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 2.3 apg for 6 games in Sweden helping them to win the title. With Ourense, she added 11.3 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 12 games in Spanish LF2. In 2008, Fabianova was the Slovakian league champion and Cup winner with Kosit 2013 Kosice. In the past, she also was a member of Lukoil Neftochimik Burgas, Banska Bystrica and Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary. Fabianova played for the Slovakian NT in 2006 and 2008.

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LATVIA - Women

Latvia beat Lithuania in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Latvia - Lithuania 65:57

Latvia and Lithuania played the second exhibition encounter in as many days. This time the game was held in Riga and the hosts avenged the previous loss. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Siena) knocked down 13 points to pace Latvia to an 8-point victory.
Latvia exploded with 25 points in the opening frame to surge ahead. They recorded a 10-point advantage at the first intermission. Latvia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. The hosts accumulated a 37:24 halftime cushion. Lithuania however struck back in the third term. The visiting team limited Latvia to 9 points in the period and cut the deficit at just 3 points before the fourth term. However Latvia stepped on the gas in the fourth quarter and ran away for the win at the end. Zane Tamane (200-C-83, college: W.Illinois) provided 11 points and 15 rebounds in the victory. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) answered with 14 points and 8 rebounds for Lithuania. Agne Abromaite (190-C/F-79) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Latvia: Gunta Basko 13, Zane Tamane 11+15 boards, Aija Putnina 8, Elina Babkina 8
Lithuania: Sandra Linkeviciene 14, Agne Abromaite 13

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LITHUANIA - Women

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Fighting over 40' pays off for Luxembourg - by Liz Schmitz
The Luxembourgish girls could celebrate their second win in the EuroBasket Division B competition yesterday evening against Albania. A big team effort, with almost every Luxembourgish player being able to score, was the main reason for the 86-72 victory against highly motivated Albanians. Luxembourg started well into the game and lead 20-13 after the first quarter. By playing a lot of fastbreaks, they forced the Albanians to stop playing zone defense. Everyone hustled in defense and although they could not manage the opponents offensive rebound too well, they maintained Albania at 29 points in the first half-time. Especially Nadia Mossong (182-F-86) and Lena Hetto (184-F-93) stood out in offense in the first half-time and were some of the reasons for the 10 point lead after 20'. The girls came out of the locker room as focussed as in the beginning of the game and made sure to control the rebound at least the second half. Against a physically struggling Albanian team, the girls won also the third quarter by 24-17. However, Adelajda Aliaj (188-C-87) (13 points and 9 rebounds) and Enisa Semanjaku (88) (7 rebounds and 19 points) kept alive the unorganized Albanians who were never willing to give up the game. The team from Albania gave everything they had left and managed to win at least one quarter in the end by 23-26. Again the Luxembourgish team had trouble to play on the same level during the fourth quarter and showed small lacks of cleverness. But compared to the game against Switzerland, the girls realized to stay in charge of the game and won by 14 points. The girls will keep in mind the fighting spirit of this victory for their final game in Bosnia, next Saturday.
For Luxembourg, topscorers were Lena Hetto and Jill Bausch (176-G-87) with 23 and 19 points respectively, while Nadia Mossong contributed with a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

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NCAA1 - Women

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NORWAY - Women

Norway U16 ended up 4th in Solna - by Eurobasket News
Norway U16 ended up 4th in Solna at the Nordic Cup. Denmark U16 clinched the third place at Nordic Cup 2011. In the last game of the tournament the team overcame Norway U16 71:43. The favorites of the game started with 13-6 and then won the third and the last periods. Frederikke Mollerup (95) paced all the winners with 18 points, while Sofie Tryggedsson delivered 14. Maja Foleide (F) collected 14 points and 17 rebounds in the losing effort, while Stine Karlstad (G) posted 7.
In one of the most interesting games Norway needed 86:80 overtime win over Iceland. The latter opened the game with 28-21 and even improved to 9-point lead at the halftime. Norway first reduced to 5 points at the end of the third period and then tied the game at the end of the fourth period due to 19-14 in the fourth frame. In overtime Norway celebrated the win after 12-6 in it. Maja Foleide led the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Kristine Lindholm scored 20. Hallveig Jonsdottir delivered 14 points for the team from Iceland.

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PERU - Women

Standings - Superior (Women)

Superior Standings

1. Real Club		10-3
2. Regatas		0-0
3. Centro Naval		0-0
4. UAP		0-0

New Import helps Real Club in double OT win - by Timothy
After only arriving to Lima 48 hours before tipoff, Universidad de Lima / Real Club de Lima's new American player Charitie Lewis (173-F-87, college: Oklahoma S&A) showed the fans and opposing club she is exactly what the team has been missing. After a year of being an assistant coach of a college womens basketball team and being off the court as a player, nor having the opportunity to practice or play with her new club teammates prior to game night Ms. Lewis' basketball skill showed itself which left no doubt the coach had made the right choice of player and to put her in the game. Lewis helped send the game into its first overtime period with a strong finish at the basket plus a foul with 00:6 left in the fourth quarter. After completing the three point play, a basket was scored by a player from Centro Naval de Peru and the game was sent into its first extra period. The first overtime was very evenly played by both teams as they went back and forth trading buckets. After 5:00 minutes extra proved to not be enough to decide a winner, the game was sent into its second overtime. Real club then set its self apart and took control of the match with key defensive stops and scores on almost every possession. Charitie Lewis was sent to the bench with 3:30 left to play in the second overtime with a minor injury, but her work was already done. Lewis finished with 9 points, 10 rebounds and a steal in 26 minutes of action. Not bad for a player who was suffering from a serious case of jet lag, no previous practice or playing time with the team and not to mention this was the first game of her professional game of her career. The final score was 61 to 58 and Reals record has improved to 5-2.

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PORTUGAL - Women

CAB Madeira land Diana Neves - by Eurobasket News
CAB Madeira bolstered their roster for the next season. They agreed on terms of contract with Diana Neves (170-G-87, college: Vanguard). Last season Diana Neves started in Australia. She played for Logan Thunder in WNBL. The 24-year-old guard averaged 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. In January Diana Neves returned to Portugal. She signed a deal with BoaViagem. Her stats read 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in Liga Feminina. Diana Neves is currently playing for Gladstone Port City Power in Australian Basketball Association. Diana Neves is the member of the Portuguese National Team.

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ROMANIA - Women

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SLOVAKIA - Women

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SPAIN - Women

Aina Denti sign with Palacio de Congresos - by Eurobasket News
Aina Denti (195-C-85) sign with Palacio de Congresos for the upcoming season. The Spanish Center joins her new team from Olesa where she spent the last two seasons.
In 2004-2005 Aina Denti started with Extrugasa (LFB) and averaged 3.4ppg, 2.5rpg in her debut year. Later on she moved to Cajacanarias (Spain-LFB) and debuted in EuroCup with 4.4ppg, 2.7rpg. In Spanish League after 18 games she showed 1.7ppg. In 2007-2008 moved to Set 96 C.B. Olesa (LFB) and had 2.0ppg, 1.4rpg. In 2008-2009 for Extrugasa Vilagarcia (LFB) her stats read 1.6ppg, 1.3rpg, while in EuroCup after 8 games she averaged 2.3ppg, 1.5rpg. In Jan.'09 Aina moved to S.R. Lima-Horta (LF2) and in 22 games showed 8.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 58.0%, FT: 62.0%. The last season for C.B. Olesa Espanyol (LFB, starting five) she improved 9.6ppg, 5.4rpg, Blocks-4 (1.0bpg), FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 76.5%.
Aina Denti recorded 24 points at the Regular Season Round 22 when Olesa lost to Mariana 76-78. Puerto Rican-American swingman Eshaya Marie Murphy fired 28 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. The former international center Aina Denti added 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks for lost side.

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SWEDEN - Women

Sweden U16 won the Robin Round, but lost the Final - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U16 won the Robin Round, but lost the Final of the home tournament. Finland U16 take the Nordic Cup Gold as the team won the Final game over Sweden U16. The guests of the tournament grabbed valuable 47:42 win to triumph in Solna. Sweden started with 14-9, but Finland replied with 10-8 in the second frame. Moreover the Finnish side won the third and the last periods to seal the victory. Anniina Aijanen (186-F/C-95) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Anni Jamsa (164-G-95) netted 12. Regan Magarity collected 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in defeat.
Before that Sweden U16 rolled over Denmark U16 53:48 to win the group with 4-0 record. Trailing 6-12 after the first period, Sweden won the third quarter 23-18 and then added 11-5 in the last frame. Regan Magarity top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 13 rebounds, whilst Emma Eriksson (169-G-90) and Julia Paulin netted 8 apiece. Frederikke Mollerup answered with 13 points and 13 boards in defeat.

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TURKEY - Women

Optimum TED Ankara inks NT member Ozge Yavas - by Eurobasket News
Ozge Yavas (172-G-91) is a new member of Optimum TED Ankara Kolejliler. The Turkish guard signed a deal for 2011/12 season. Optimum TED Ankara won the TKB2L title and they will compete in the Turkish top division next year. Yavas arrives to her new club from Tarsus. She appeared 25 times in the league averaging 3.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists. She helped Tarsus reach the Turkish Cup Finals. Before Tarsus, Yavas played three years for Antalya.
Ozge Yavas is active member of the Turkish National Team. Last summer she played for U20 Turkey averaging 7.1 points and 2.3 rebounds at the U20 EuroBasket in Latvia. She also played for U18 and U16 Turkey in the past.

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UKRAINE - Women

UPBL Round 20: Dynamo loses to Dnipro-DVUFK - by Eurobasket News
The most important game in the last round took place in Kyiv between third ranked Dynamo (11-8) and fourth ranked Dnipro-DVUFK (11-7) on Sunday night. Dynamo was defeated by Dnipro-DVUFK in a tough game at home 79-88. Dynamo was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 7-point lead after three quarters before a 26-10 charge of Dnipro-DVUFK, which allowed them to win the game. They also forced 22 Dynamo turnovers. International center Taisiia Bovykina (190-89, agency: LBM Management) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds. American guard Kimberly Williams (168-74, college: De Paul, agency: Merit Sports) contributed with 28 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American swingman Shantel Ragin (178-87, college: Clayton St.) replied with 34 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds for Dynamo. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Frankivsk. Dynamo at the other side dropped to the fifth position with eight games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
UPBL top team - Tim-Scuf (16-2) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat eighth ranked Yuzhna Palmira (6-12) in Kyiv 72-59. Worth to mention a quality performance of the former international forward Inna Faskhutdinova (182-84) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 4 assists and Yuliya Berezinets who added 14 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Guard Alisa Siromatnikova (165-87) responded with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Tim-Scuf have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 16-2 record. Yuzhna Palmira at the other side keeps the eighth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Bottom-ranked Luganski Last. is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 18th consecutive match to seventh ranked Politeh Basket (8-10) 70-51 on Sunday evening. The winners were led by Valentina Voronova who scored that evening 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Politeh Basket's coach Viktor Koryagin used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 17 points and 7 rebounds by Olena Hotentseva did not help to save the game for Luganski Last.. Politeh Basket moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Orlan. Loser Luganski Last. still closes the standings. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game between 9th ranked Donbas (5-14) and fifth ranked Frankivsk (11-7) in Donetsk ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Frankivsk outscored Donbas 93-71. The best player for the winners was Oksana Horoshavina who scored 15 points and 7 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Frankivsk moved-up to third place, which they share with Dnipro-DVUFK. Donbas lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 14 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Tim-Scuf - Yuzhna Palmira 72-59

UPBL top team - Tim-Scuf (16-2) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat eighth ranked Yuzhna Palmira (6-12) in Kyiv 72-59. It looked good early as Yuzhna Palmira took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Tim-Scuf had a 13-2 second period charge getting the lead and Yuzhna Palmira was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 59-72. Tim-Scuf dominated on the defensive end, holding Yuzhna Palmira to just 2 points in second quarter. They also forced 23 Yuzhna Palmira turnovers. Strangely Yuzhna Palmira outrebounded Tim-Scuf 44-28 including 29 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a quality performance of the former international forward Inna Faskhutdinova (182-84) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 4 assists and guard Yuliya Berezinets (172-90) who added 14 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Tim-Scuf players scored in double figures. Guard Alisa Siromatnikova (165-87) responded with 21 points and 5 rebounds and Serbian center Dragana Vukovic (190-78) scored 8 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Tim-Scuf have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 16-2 record. Yuzhna Palmira at the other side keeps the eighth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Yuzhna Palmira: A.Siromatnikova 21+5reb+3ast, V.Liapina 13+10reb, D.Matvyeyeva 8+5reb, D.Vukovic 8+13reb+6ast, T.Shchypakina 5+5reb, Z.Likhodid 4+5reb+1ast
Tim-Scuf: I.Faskhutdinova 26+4reb+4ast, Y.Berezinets 14+7reb, N.Isachenko 11+4reb+2ast, K.Matsko 10+4reb+2ast, N.Gavryliuk 5+4reb+2ast, Y.Sharovka 5+2reb+10ast

Donbas - Frankivsk 71-93

The game between 9th ranked Donbas (5-14) and fifth ranked Frankivsk (11-7) in Donetsk ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Frankivsk outscored Donbas 93-71. It looked good early as Donbas took an 8-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Frankivsk took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 22 points. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. The best player for the winners was Russian forward Oksana Horoshavina (186-85) who scored 15 points and 7 assists. International guard Arina Markotenko (170-89) chipped in 17 points. Center Irina Rastorgueva (180-76) produced 23 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Antonina Annenkova (178-87) added 11 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Donbas players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Frankivsk moved-up to third place, which they share with Dnipro-DVUFK. Donbas lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 14 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Donbas: I.Rastorgueva 23+5reb+3ast, A.Stepanova 15+2reb, O.Rysina 12+5reb+4ast, A.Annenkova 11+7reb+3ast, M.Agalareva 6+2reb+1ast, A.Remezova 2+2reb
Frankivsk: A.Markotenko 17+2reb+3ast, O.Horoshavina 15+3reb+7ast, M.Dubas 14+4reb+2ast, L.Sova 8+7reb+3ast, V.Suzyk 8+5reb, D.Bereshanska 8+1ast

Luganski Last. - Politeh Basket 51-70

Bottom-ranked Luganski Last. is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 18th consecutive match to seventh ranked Politeh Basket (8-10) 70-51 on Sunday evening. Politeh Basket dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Luganski Last.'s 34. They outrebounded Luganski Last. 57-44 including 19 on the offensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Politeh Basket made 11 blocks. The winners were led by guard Valentina Voronova (172-80) who scored that evening 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international guard Yuliya Lapshynova (177-81) supported her with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Four Politeh Basket players scored in double figures. Politeh Basket's coach Viktor Koryagin used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 17 points and 7 rebounds by Olena Hotentseva did not help to save the game for Luganski Last.. Guard Ksenia Kirichenko (173-87) added 15 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Politeh Basket moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Orlan. Loser Luganski Last. still closes the standings. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Luganski Last.: O.Hotentseva 17+7reb+2ast, K.Kirichenko 15+5reb+1ast, O.Khotentseva 9+8reb+1ast, Z.Chuhriy 6+9reb+4ast, A.Drepina 4+8reb+1ast, O.Bondar 0+1reb+1ast
Politeh Basket: V.Voronova 17+9reb+5ast, Y.Lapshynova 12+6reb+3ast, N.Reznichenko 12+4reb+1ast, N.Zhyrakova 11+9reb, T.Shablynska 6+11reb+2ast, K.Kovalova 6+6reb

Dynamo - Dnipro-DVUFK 79-88

The most important game in the last round took place in Kyiv between third ranked Dynamo (11-8) and fourth ranked Dnipro-DVUFK (11-7) on Sunday night. Dynamo was defeated by Dnipro-DVUFK in a tough game at home 79-88. Dynamo was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 7-point lead after three quarters before a 26-10 charge of Dnipro-DVUFK, which allowed them to win the game. They also forced 22 Dynamo turnovers. International center Taisiia Bovykina (190-89, agency: LBM Management) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds. American guard Kimberly Williams (168-74, college: De Paul, agency: Merit Sports) contributed with 28 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Four Dnipro-DVUFK players scored in double figures. American swingman Shantel Ragin (178-87, college: Clayton St.) replied with 34 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds and the former international point guard Nataliya Silyanova (172-71) added 21 points and 4 steals (perfect from downtown making all seven shots !!!) in the effort for Dynamo. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Frankivsk. Dynamo at the other side dropped to the fifth position with eight games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Dynamo: S.Ragin 34+9reb+3ast, N.Silyanova 21+1reb+1ast, L.Yakunina 13+3reb+1ast, E.Kozak 4, E.Bondar 3+6reb+3ast, Y.Sinicina 2+1reb+1ast
Dnipro-DVUFK: K.Williams 28+6reb+2ast, T.Bovykina 23+12reb+2ast, V.Onyshchenko 20+4reb+1ast, A.Domoratska 11+3reb+2ast, L.Yaburova 4+5reb+2ast, O.Chigrinova 2+1reb+2ast

Standings (Women)

UPBL Standings

1. Tim-Scuf		16-2
2. Kozachka		15-3
3. Dnipro-DVUFK		11-7
4. Frankivsk		11-7
5. Dynamo		11-8
6. Politeh Basket		8-10
7. Orlan		8-10
8. Yuzhna Palmira		6-12
9. Donbas		5-14
10. Luganski Last.		0-18

Natalia Isachenko gets MVP of the Week award for Ukrainian UPBL - by Eurobasket News
Experienced former international forward Natalia Isachenko (183-F-79, agency: Promotex) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Tim-Scuf and that's her to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
The 31-year old forward had a double-double of 25 points and thirteen rebounds, while her team beat Dnipro-DVUFK (#3, 11-7) 84-73. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Tim-Scuf to consolidate first place in the Ukrainian UPBL. Tim-Scuf have a solid 16-2 record. Isachenko turned to be Tim-Scuf's top player in her first season with the team. Natalia Isachenko averages this season 14.9ppg and 7.4rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old American swingman Shantel Ragin (178-G/F-87) of Dynamo. Ragin impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 26 points and 19 rebounds. It was enough for Dynamo to edge the lower-ranked Yuzhna Palmira (#8, 6-12) by 2 points 64-62. Despite this victory Dynamo slide down in the standings to 5th position. Her team lost some distance to top teams. But 11-8 record is not bad and everything may still change. Ragin is one of the most experienced players at Dynamo and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.5ppg (#2). She also registered 10.6 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was international guard Arina Markotenko (170-G-89) of Frankivsk (#4). Markotenko got into 30-points club by scoring 31 points in the last round. She was a key player of Frankivsk, leading her team to a 116-63 easy win against Luganski Last. (#10, 0-18). Frankivsk needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 11 victories and 7 lost games. Markotenko has a great season in Ukraine. After 15 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.4ppg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Valentina Voronova (172-G-80) of Politeh Basket - 18 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists
5. Anna Domoratska (178-F-86) of Dnipro-DVUFK - 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Viktoriya Pazyuk (186-F-85) of Frankivsk - 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Mariya Dubas (182-G-84) of Frankivsk - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Taisiia Bovykina (190-C-89) of Dnipro-DVUFK - 7 points and 21 rebounds
9. Tetiana Shablynska (191-C-74) of Politeh Basket - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Oksana Yushenko (180-C-73) of Kozachka - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Shantel RAGIN
  Dynamo
  (178-G/F-87)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Ragin, Dynamo	20.4
2. Iagupova, Dnipr.	20.3
3. Williams, Dnipr.	18.6
4. Rastorgueva, Donb.	18.1
5. Yakunina, Lugans.	17.4
6. Markotenko, Frank.	17.4
7. Staschuk, Orlan	17.3
8. Lubarskaya, Dynamo	17.1
9. Grishina, Lugans.	16.2
10. Alyoshkina, Orlan	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Elena STASCHUK
  Orlan
  (192-C-85)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Staschuk, Orlan	10.6
2. Ragin, Dynamo	10.5
3. Alyoshkina, Orlan	10.5
4. Vukovic, Yuzhna P.	10.2
5. Zherzherunov., Koz.	9.7
6. Rimarenko, Dynamo	9.5
7. Bovykina, Dnipr.	9.2
8. Zarytska, Kozachka	9.0
9. Yakunina, Lugans.	9.0
10. Yaburova, Dnipr.	8.9

Assists Per Game

Alisa SIROMATNIKOVA
  Yuzhna P.
  (165-G-87)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Siromatnikov., Yuz.	5.8
2. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf	5.3
3. Iagupova, Dnipr.	4.6
4. Williams, Dnipr.	4.6
5. Dubrovina, Kozach.	4.6
6. Dubas, Frankivsk	4.3
7. Voronova, Polite.	4.0
8. Lapshynova, Polite.	3.9
9. Kashlei, Orlan	3.8
10. Pokoiova, Kozach.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Olga DUBROVINA
  Kozachka
  (170-G-87)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Dubrovina, Kozach.	3.9
2. Markotenko, Frank.	3.5
3. Iagupova, Dnipr.	3.3
4. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf	3.3
5. Williams, Dnipr.	3.1
6. Dubas, Frankivsk	2.5
7. Panchenk-S., Koza.	2.2
8. Shchypakina, Yuzh.	2.2
9. Siromatnikov., Yuz.	2.1
10. Isachenko, Tim-S.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Lyubov ALYOSHKINA
  Orlan
  (202-C-81)
  Avg: 3

1. Alyoshkina, Orlan	3.0
2. Shablynska, Polite.	2.2
3. Zhyrakova, Polite.	2.0
4. Bovykina, Dnipr.	1.5
5. Yaburova, Dnipr.	1.5
6. Kisilova, Kozachka	1.1
7. Zherzherunov., Koz.	1.1
8. Yakunina, Lugans.	1.0
9. Staschuk, Orlan	1.0
10. Maznichenko, Tim-.	0.9

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WNBA - Women

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Atlanta D.		0-0
2. Chicago S.		0-0
3. Connecticut S.		0-0
4. Indiana F.		0-0
5. New York L.		0-0
6. Washington M.		0-0
Western
1. L.Angeles S.		0-0
2. Minnesota L.		0-0
3. Phoenix M.		0-0
4. S.Antonio SS		0-0
5. Seattle S.		0-0
6. Tulsa S.		0-0

Sidney Pierson leads Liberty over Dream with 25 points - by Eurobasket News
Sidney Spencer (6'3''-F-85, college: Tennessee) and Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) made the New York Liberty's WNBA opener a pleasant one in a rematch of last seasons Eastern Conference Finals.

Spencer drained her only basket of the game with two-tenths of a second left and Pierson had 25 points and 10 rebounds as the Liberty knocked off the Atlanta Dream, 94-88 Sunday. Atlanta swept New York last season.

Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) had 12 points and 11 rebounds and Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) added 17 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Liberty, who shot 52.7 percent.

Iziane Castro Marques (6'0''-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 19 points for the Dream and Sancho Lytlle added 18 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, as the Dream played without top player Angel McCoughtry.

After Spencer tied the game 79-79 after a pass was deflected right to her for a short shot, Pierson made a runner 20 seconds in and KiaVaughn added a jumper 55 seconds later to provide New York a 3:45 lead.

Leilani Mitchell put the game away with a dagger 3-pointer with 28.2 ticks left for a 92-86 edge.

The Liberty took advantage of an Atlanta team missing its top player, Angel McCoughtry, who didn't dress because of a sprained left knee.

Courtesy of www.allheadlinenews.com

Augustus, Moore lead Lynx past Sparks - by Eurobasket News
Maya Moore's (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) first home game didn't start the way she had planned it. No problem for the No. 1 pick as she finished it in style.

Moore scored 14 of her 16 points in the second half and the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 86-69 on Sunday.

Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) led the Lynx with 17, who beat Los Angeles for the first time in nine tries. The teams split their season-opening series, with the Sparks winning Friday night in L.A. after overcoming a 10-point second-half deficit.

'It's about darn time we beat L.A.,' Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. 'I asked (center) Taj McWilliams-Franklin if we were ready when I was in the locker room and she said, 'Coach, we are so (angry) about the game we let go.' They played that way ... with a sense of urgency.'

Moore, who scored 21 points in her WNBA debut in Los Angeles, had a rough first half Sunday, hitting only 1 of 5 shots while playing just over 7 minutes after picking up two quick fouls.

Meanwhile, the Lynx saw a 12-point second-quarter lead cut in half as the Sparks hit 3-pointers on their last two possessions before the break, including Ticha Penichero 's heave from just inside the half-court line at the buzzer that pulled L.A. to within 46-40.

That's when Moore took control. She stole the ball on the Sparks' first possession of the second half and fed Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) for a fastbreak layup, then hit back-to-back 3s that forced a Los Angeles timeout.

'We said we were going to get those six points back and Maya took it personally,' Reeve said of her halftime talk.

Moore added two other long jump shots and hit Whalen for an open 3 as the Lynx outscored Los Angeles 24-10 in third. It was a breakout stretch for the player many expect to become the WNBA's next big star, but after the game Moore said she wasn't trying to do anything more than help her team avoid a second straight collapse against the Sparks.

'I was just wanting to make up for the way we ended (the first half),' Moore said. 'We knew we had to come out and be aggressive.

'I like how we responded,' she added. 'I've always heard that the character of a team is tested after a loss.'

Kristi Toliver (5'7''-G-87, college: Maryland) led the Sparks with 13 points, while Tina Thompson and Candace Parker each scored 11.

'I thought that Minnesota came out with a lot of aggression and really took the ball at us, and I thought they played well defensively,' said Sparks coach Jennifer Gillom, whose team shot 37 percent from the field.

Meanwhile, Whalen had 10 points and seven assists for Minnesota and Rebekkah Brunson added 10 points and 15 rebounds, her second straight double-double after setting a franchise record with 12 last year.

The Lynx dominated the boards, holding a 44-28 advantage after being outrebounded by eight on Friday.

'I just don't think we boxed out and we didn't hit the glass offensively either,' Parker said.

They also outscored Los Angeles 18-2 on the fastbreak and blocked four shots, including Moore's memorable swat of a Thompson shot that sent the ball three rows deep into the stands and brought the sellout crowd to its feet.

'She puts the ball in the hole for us and that's great, but she made so many big plays on defense for us too,' Reeve said of her rookie guard.

Monica Wright and Amber Harris each scored 11, giving the Lynx six players in double figures on the day.

'That's who we said we wanted to be. That is the depth,' Reeve said. 'Our bench is not bad, and nights like this with six people in double figures, that's what we want to be.'

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com